"THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


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Kelly-  •  He  fliaji  &  Piet 
BaJiiiiiore  . 


"THE  HIDDEN  GEM/' 


§rama  in  Cfefl  ^tfs, 

COMPOSED    FOR    THE    COLLEGE  JUBILEE 

OF 

ST.  CUTHBERT'S,  USHAW,  1858, 


H.  E.  CARDINAL  WISEMAN. 


BALTIMORE: 
PUBLISHED  BY  KELLY,  HEDIAN  &  PIET, 

174  BALTIMORE  STREET. 

1860. 


TO  THE 

RT.  REV.  MONSIGNOR  NEWSHAM,  D.D., 

PRESIDENT  OF  ST.  CUTHBERT'S  COLLEGE, 

MY  TUTOR   IN  BOYHOOD, 

MY    PROFESSOR    IX    TOUT  H, 
AND 

MY  FRIEND  THROUGH  LIFE, 

I    AFFECTIONATELY    AND  REVERENTLY 
DEDICATE  THIS  LITTLE  WORK. 

N.  C.  W. 


1* 


PROLOGUE 

TO  "  THE  HIDDEN  GEM." 

Recited  at  the  performance  of  that  drama  by  the  members 
of  the  Catholic  Institute  of  St.  Philip  Neri,  at  Liverpool, 
on  the  26th  of  January,  1S59. 


Um  scared  by  menace,  unreformed  by  age. 
Deaf  to  the  voice  of  prophet,  priest,  and  sage, 
Despite  Experience's  instructive  rules, 
The  pith  of  proverbs,  and  the  lore  of  schools, 
Which  tell,  in  words  of  wisdom  from  of  old, 
How  all  that  glitters  is  not  therefore  gold  ; 
The  knowing  world,  in  changeless  accents  cries, 
"  The  gold  that  glitters  is  the  gold  /  prize." 
Yet  might  the  world  its  eye  sagacious  turn 


8 


PROLOGUE. 


To  Nature's  truthful  tablets,  there  to  learn 
The  ways  and  workings  of  mysterious  Grace, 
In  type  reflected  on  Creation's  face ; 
Sure  it  had  known  how  precious  things  of  earth 
On  hearts  unthankful  waste  their  useless  worth ; 
How  gifts  of  goodliest  form  and  fairest  bloom 
Lurk  in  the  deep,  or  slumber  in  the  gloom  ; 
IIow  caves  unfathomed  hide  the  priceless  ore, 
And  pearls  of  ocean  strew  the  desert  shore, 
And  sweetest  flowers  of  summer  live  and  die, 
Unseen,  unheeded,  save  by  Angel's  eye : 
Taught  by  these  monitors,  the  world  might  know 
How  purest  treasure  oft  may  poorest  show. 

0,  knew  we  but  our  bliss,  the  happiest  we$ 
To  whom  'tis  given  this  gracious  truth  to  see, 
Not  couched  in  emblem,  nor  by  hint  conveyed, 
But  in  the  Church's  book  to  Faith  displayed ! 
For  sure  the  Church  is  that  prolific  Field, 
Whose  depths  unsearched  no  answering  produce 
yield ; 


PROLOGUE. 


9 


She  is  that  Garden,  where  the  gifts  of  Spring 
On  arid  winds  their  fruitless  fragrance  fling  ; 
The  Casket  she,  where  gems  unnoticed  lie, 
The  staple  of  Heaven's  beauteous  jewelry. 

A  gem  like  this,  so  hidden,  yet  so  bright, 
We  set  before  you,  Christian  friends,  to-night. 
The  young  Alexius,  rich  and  nobly  born, 
Gave  all  to  God  ;  then,  "lonely,  not  forlorn," 
By  men  despised,  but  full  of  heavenly  joy, 
He  roamed  from  place  to  place,  a  pilgrim  boy  ; 
Then,  sped  by  holy  warnings  back  to  Rome, 
He  lived  a  stranger  in  his  childhood's  home ; 
And,  worthiest  he  the  son's  award  to  share, 
Chose  the  slave's  part,  and  prized  the  menial's 
fare  ; 

Till,  in  Affliction's  furnace  tried  and  proved, 
Spurned  where  he  trusted"  slighted  where  he 
loved, 

He  laid  him  down  and  died.    But  Truth  hath 
said, 


10 


PROLOGUE. 


"  The  corn  of  wheat  first  liveth,  when  'tis  dead  ;"* 
So  he,  I  ween,  did  pass  through  bitter  strife, 
From  living  death  to  bright  undying  life. 

Saint  Philip's  children,  in  Saint  Philip's  name, 
Not  your  applause,  but  your  indulgence  claim  ; 
Fain  would  they  proffer,  in  this  simple  Play, 
Saint  Philip's  truth  in  his  own  childlike  way. 
Yet,  might  your  genial  smile  once  beam  on  them, 
This  Tale  itself  might  prove  "  a  hidden  gem," 
In  flowers  illusive  wrapt.    For  not  alone 
The  moor's  drear  vastness,  or  the  desert's  stone, 
O'erlays  the  mine  which  teems  with  embryo 
wealth, 

Or  hides  the  fount  whence  issue  streams  of  health ; 
The  ore  may  sleep  beneath  the  garden's  crest, 
The  blue  waves  laughf  around  the  jewel's  nest, 
And  woods  of  emerald  foliage  lure  the  eye 

*  St.  John  12  :  24,  25. 

|  aui)piOftof  yt\aafia  -ovtov- — JEschyl. 


PROLOGUE. 


]  1 


To  where  deep  springs  of  health  embedded  lie.* 
And  thou,  dear  Prince,  in  loving  presence  here,f 
Our  toil  to  lighten,  and  our  hearts  to  cheer ; 
Wont  from  the  care  of  Churches  to  descend, 
At  prayer  of  children,  or  at  suit  of  friend, 
If  haply,  like  Saint  Philip,  thou  may'st  win 
Some  wayward  soul  from  error,  or  from  sin  ; 
Thou  art  the  pole-star  of  our  course  to-night ; 
If  thou  be  near,  the  lowering  sky  grows  bright ; 
What  frown  shall  scare  us,  if  we  feel  thy  love  ? 
What  critic  dare  to  blame,  if  thou  approve  ? 

F.  Can.  0. 

*  It  is  often  remarked  that  mineral  springs  are  found  in  the 
midst  of  romantic  scenery. 

t  The  writer  feels  it  necessary  to  observe,  in  explanation,  that 
His  Eminence,  Cardinal  Wiseman,  was  present  on  the  occasion 
for  which  this  Prologue  was  written. 


THE  ARGUMENT. 


In  the  reign  of  the  Emperor  Honorius  and  the 
Pontificate  of  Innocent  L,  there  lived  on  the 
Aventine,  a  Roman  Patrician  of  great  wealth, 
named  Euphemianus.  He  had  an  only  son, 
Alexius,  whom  he  educated  in  principles  of  solid 
piety,  and  in  the  practice  of  unbounded  charity. 
When  he  was  grown  up,  but  still  young,  a  Divine 
command  ordered  the  son  to  quit  his  father's 
house,  and  lead  the  life  of  a  poor  pilgrim.  He 
accordingly  repaired  to  Edessa,  where  he  lived 
several  years,  while  he  was  sought  for  in  vain 
over  all  the  world.  At  length  he  was  similarly 
ordered  to  return  home ;  and  was  received  as  a 
stranger  into  his  father's  house. 

2 


14 


THE  ARGUMENT. 


He  remained  there  as  many  years  as  he  had 
lived  abroad,  amidst  the  scorn  and  ill-treatment 
of  his  own  domestics,  until  his  death  :  when  first 
a  voice,  heard  through  all  the  churches  in  the 
city,  proclaimed  him  a  Saint,  and  then  a  paper, 
written  by  himself,  revealed  his  history. 

As  the  years  passed  by  Alexius  in  these  two 
conditions  have  been  variously  stated  by  different 
writers,  in  this  Drama  they  have  been  limited  to 
five  spent  in  each,  or  ten  in  all. 

The  beginning  and  the  close  of  the  second 
period,  of  that  passed  at  home,  form  the  subject 
of  this  composition ;  so  that  five  years  are  sup- 
posed to  elapse  between  its  two  acts. 

Such  is  the  domestic  history  recorded  in 
Rome,  on  the  Aventine  Hill,  where  the  beautiful 
church  of  St.  Alexius  yet  stands,  and  is  visited, 
on  his  feast,  by  crowds  of  his  fellow-citizens. 
The  view  from  its  garden  is  one  of  the  most 
charming  in  Rome.  The  basilica  of  Santa  Sabina 
is  next  door  to  it. 


DRAMATIS  PERSONS. 


Euphemiaxus,  a  Roman  Patrician. 
Alexius,  under  the  name  of  Ignotus,  his  son. 
Carixus,  a  boy,  his  nephew. 
Proculus,  his  Freedman  and  Steward. 
Efsebids,  freed  after  Act  I.  \ 

BlBULUS,  / 

Davus  >  Slaves. 

Ursulus,  ■»  \ 

w,  }Bkck>  •  •  •) 

Gaxxio,  a  Beggar. 

An  Imperial  Chamberlaix. 

Ax  Officer. 

Slaves,  white  and  black. 

Two  Robbers. 

Scene  on  the  Aventine  Hill  in  Rome,  partly  outside,  partly 
in  the  court  or  Atrium,  of  Euphemian's  house,  in  the 
Reign  of  Honorius,  and  the  Pontificate  of  Innocent  I. 


"THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


ACT  I. 

Scene  I. — An  open  space  on  the  Aventine,  with 
houses  on  one. side,  and  trees  on  the  other.  At 
the  bach  is  the  door  of  Euphemian  s  house. 
Under  the  trees  is  a  marble  bench. 

Enter  Alexius,  tired,  ivearing  a  cloak.  Sits 
for  a  moment  to  rest,  then  rises. 

Alexius.  Thus  far  I  feel,  that  to  the  very  letter 
I  have  obeyed  the  clear  commands  of  heaven. 
"  Where  first  thine  eyes  saw  light,  there  must 
they  close  : 

2* 


18 


THE   HIDDEN  GEM. 


Where  first  thy  life  began,  there  shall  it 
end."— 

Such  were  the  words  the  voice  mysterious  spake. 
So,  longing  to  complete  my  pilgrimage, 
Once  more  I  stand,  where  haughty  Aventine 
Crushes,  with  craggy  heel,  the  serpent  neck 
Of  writhing  Tiber  ;  while,  between  the  peaks 
Of  Sabine  hills,  the  sun  shoots  forked  beams, 
Hanging  the  gems  of  morning  on  each  leaf. 

If  Italy,  or  Rome,  or  Aventine 
Was  meant,  my  goal  is  reached — but  oh,  re- 
mains there 
One  step  more,  o'er  that  threshold — [looking 

towards  Eiiphemian 's  house']  there  to  die  ? 
For  there  I  first  drew  breath. — It  cannot  be. 

Five  years  it  is  to-day,  since  I  was  sent, 
Like  him  of  Ur,  from  father's  house  and  kin- 
dred. 

What  sorrow,  perhaps  worse,  hath  been  en- 
dured 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


19 


For  me,  within  the  compass  of  those  walls ! 
Livest  thou  yet,  sweet  mother  ?    Dost  thou 
shake 

Thy  palsied  head  and  quivering  hand,  in  an- 
guish, 

O'er  thy  long-lost,  but  unforgotten  child  ? 
Or  dost  thou,  from  thy  patiently  won  throne, 
Look  down  and  smile,  upon  thy  pilgrim  son  ? — 
I  know  my  father  lives  ;  his  name  is  written 
Upon  the  dypticks  of  far  distant  churches, 
As  on  men's  hearts,  in  charity's  gold  letters. — 
How  can  I  stand  before  him  ?    How  address 
him  ? 

How  if  perchance  he  knows  me  ? — Fathers' 
eyes 

Are  keen  at  spying  prodigals  afar, 
Through  fluttering   tatters,  and  begriming 
dust. — 

Prodigal  !    What  a  name  !    Have  I  been 
such  ? 


20 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


True  I  was  young,  and  rosy-cheeked,  and  rich 
The  night  I  left :  but  oh  !  'twas  not  to  plunge 
Into  the  golden  bath  of  luxury, 
Or  play  the  spendthrift.    Bitter  tears  rolled 
down, 

As  sobs  heaved  panting  from  my  breaking 
heart. 

His  word,  who,  on  the  Galilean  sea, 
Reft  John  from  Zebedee,  and  changed  his  love, 
Alone  could  have  sustained  me  in  that  hour. 
'Twas  He  who  said  :  "  Leave  them  and  follow 
Me  r 

But  see — the  door  is  opening — who  comes 
forth  ? 

'Tis  he !  my  father !    Heaven  give  me  strength ! 

[Stands  aside. 

Enter  Euphemianus,  ivho  sees  Alexius. 

Eupli.  Come  !  a  good  omen,  on  this  mournful  day, 
The  saddest  anniversary  of  my  house. 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


21 


Alms  and  a  poor  man's  prayer  Avill  bless  its 
grief. 

Yet,  though  he  looks  both  travel-sore  and 
needy, 

He  asks  no  alms :  I  must  accost  him  then. 

[To  Alexins. 

Good  youth,  you  seem  to  be  in  want  and 
pain ; 
Can  I  relieve  you  ? 
Alex.  Gladly  I  receive 

What   maketh  rich  and   poor  each  other's 
debtors. 

Euph.  [takes  out  his  purse,  but  stops.']  Nay 
stay,  it  is  not  gold  you  so  much  want, 
As  food  and  rest.    No  place  of  entertainment 
Is  to  be  found  near  this.    Within  my  house 
You  shall  partake  of  both. — Ho !  there  within ! 
Alex,  [staying  1iim.~]  Pray,  good  Sir,  no  ! 
Euph.  Friend, 
would  you  rob  me  thus 


22 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


Of  my  first  draught  of  charity's  sweet  air, 
Which  breathed  at  morn,  adds  fragrance  to  our 
prayer  ? 

Alex.  That  balmy  oblation  you  have  offered  up ; 
For  your  first  words  spoke  charity.    A  crust 
Softened  in  yonder  fountain,  and  for  bed 
This  marble  seat,  will  give  me  food  and  rest. 

Euph.  Nay,  friend,  it  shall  not  be.    I  have  not 
learnt 

My  gospel  so,  that  a  poor  man  shall  lie 

At  my  gate,  wanting  crumbs,  sore,  clad  in  rags, 

While  I,  in  purple  raiment,  feast  within. 

Alex.  But  Sir,  I  am  a  palmer,  used  to  sleep 
On  the  bare  ground, — 

Euph.  So  much  the  more  I  wish 

To  have  you  in  my  house  for  a  few  hours. 
Since  you,  no  doubt,  have  visited  abroad 
Shrines,  sanctuaries,  and  venerable  places  : 
And  have  stored  up  some  holy  histories, 
Which  I  should  love  to  hear. — 


THE   HIDDEN  GEM. 


23 


Alex.  Some  such  I  know, 

And  later  will  wait  on  you,  to  relate. 
Euph.  No,  friend,  it  shall  be  now.    While  I  but 

For  holy  rites,  to  Blest  Sabina's  church, 
Next  to  my  house,  do  you  go  in,  and  rest. 
Alex,  [aside."]  Thank  heaven  !  he  hath  not  dis- 
covered me. 

Euph.  [goes  to  the  house  door.]  Come  forth  here, 
some  one  ! 

Enter  Proculus. 

Proc.  I  am  at  your  bidding. 

[Looks  suspiciously  and  contemptuously  at 
Alexius.] 

Euph.  Good  Proculus,  take  in  this  holy  pilgrim, 

And  give  him  of  the  best. 
Proc.  [coldly.]  It  shall  be  done. 

[To  Alexius. 

Comest  thou  from  afar  ? 


24 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


Alex.  Last  night  I  landed 

At  Ostia's  quay,  from  Syria's  sacred  coast, 
And,  in  the  cool  of  night,  gained  Rome  and 
Aventine. 

JBujph.  Then  truly  you  need  rest :  Proculus, 
hasten, 

And  let  a  chamber  quickly  be  prepared. 

Proe.  It  is  impossible  !    And  for  a  stranger — 
One  utterly  unknown!  [To  Alexius.~\  Was 

there  not  plague  in  Syria, 
When  thou  didst  there  embark  ? 

Alex.  None  that  I  heard  of. 

But  I'm  aware  I  am  myself  a  plague, 
In  such  vile  rags,  unfit  for  dainty  chambers. 
Let  me  repose  beneath  these  shady  trees. 

Proc.  [drawing  JSuph.  aside,  ivhile  Alex.  retires.~] 
Sir,  as  an  old,  I  trust  a  faithful  servant, 
Let  me  speak  freely.   It  is  rash  and  dangerous 
Thus  to  give  lodging,  even  for  one  hour, 
To  such  a  thing  as  that.    There  may  be  a  plot 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


25 


To  rob  or  murder ; — there  may  harbor  in  him 
Deep-lurking  maladies, — nay  foul  contagion 
From  Asia's  swamps,  or  Afric's  tainted  coast. 
Euph.  And  yet  the  day  will  come,  when  One 
shall  say, 

"  I  was  a  stranger,  and  you  took  me  in," — 
Yes,  One  who  lurks  in  the  outcast  and  the 
beggar 

Will  speak  thus  to  the  rich. 
Proc.  Then  not  to  you. 

Doomsday  will  find  you  poor.  Your  lavish  alms 
Would  eat  up  your  estates,  were  they  twice 
doubled. 

Forgive  plain  speaking.     Through  the  day 

and  night 
This  is  my  anxious  thought ! 
Euph.  Nay  call  it  godless  ! 

For  blessed  charity  is  not  a  canker, 
Which  gnaws,  like  vice,  into  our  paltry  wealth : 
Charity  is  not  rust,  nor  moth,  nor  robber. 
3 


26 


THE  HIDDEN  (JEM. 


But  holy  alius  are  like  the  dew  of  heaven, 

A  moisture  stolen  from  the  field  by  day, 

Repaid  with  silent  usury  at  night. 
JProc.  [peevishly .~]  Then  be  it  so.    I  will  procure 

him  food. 
Euph.  And  place  of  rest. 
Proc.  Where,  Sir  ? 

Euph.  No  matter  where, 

So  that  it  be  where  chanty  suggests. 
Proc.  We  have  no  chamber  vacant,  but — 
Euph.  Go  on. 

Proc.  The  one  which  this  day  five  years  was  left 
empty. 

Euph.  Rather  mine  own  than  that.    None  shall 
lie  in  it, 

Till  poor  Alexius  rest  him  there  again. 
Alex,  [starting.']  Once  more  I  pray  you — 
Euph.  Not  another  word, 

But  follow  Proculus  within.    I  fear 
I've  been,  through  too  much  courtesy,  un- 
courteous. 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


27 


What  is  your  name,  good  friend  ? 

Alex.  Ipiotus,  Sir. 

I  pray  you,  let  me  bear  you  company 
To  the  fair  temple  of  Sabina.  There 
Would  I  fain  sanctify  this  day,  to  me 
Most  blessed  at  its  dawn,  now  doubly  blest 
In  my  thus  meeting  you. 

Eupli.  I  bid  you  welcome. 

[Exeunt  together. 

Proc.  Smooth,  canting  hypocrite  ! — but  I  will 
foil  thee  ! 

Twine  round  his  soft  old  heart — thence  will  I 

pluck  thee  ! 
Come  with  him  to  his  house — out  I  will  drive 

thee  ! 

No,  not  six  hours  shall  this  new  friendship 
last, 

The  "  Unknown"  shall  be  thy  future  name,  if 
not  thy  past.  [Exit. 


28 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


Scene  II. —  The  Atrium  of  Euphemianus  s 
house.  The  street  door  at  the  right  of  the  stage  : 
the  entrance  to  the  interior  of  the  house  on  the 
left.  In  the  middle,  at  the  bach  of  the  stage,  a 
small  room  with  closed  door,  under  a  staircase. 
A  table  in  the  middle  covered  ivith  a  cloth  reach- 
ing to  the  ground  ;  behind  it  an  arm  chair'. 

Enter  Bibulus  from  the  house  side,  cautiously 
looking  round ;  then  he  turns  towards  the 
door. 

Bib.  It's  all  right,  all  right,  come  in.  The  coast 
is  clear,  and  will  be,  for  at  least  a  good  hour. 

Enter  Ursulus,  and  all  the  other  slaves,  white 
and  black,  first  timidly,  bearing  various  utensils 
of  household,  garden,  and  stable  work,  ladles, 
brushes,  rakes,  curry-combs,  $c.  They  range 
themselves  on  either  side,  Bibulus  going  behind 
the  table.    After  the  others,  Eusebius  enters 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


29 


quietly,  holding  a  book,  and  stands  in  the  back- 
ground. 

Urs.  What  have  we  been  all  brought  together 
for? 

Bib.  You  shall  hear  presently. 

Dav.  Stay  a  moment :  for  there  is  no  Nostrum* 
prepared,  for  you  to  dress  us  from.  So  I  will 
make  one.  [Turns  the  chair  round  and  Bibu- 
lus  mounts  it.~]  Thus  I  make  one  out  this 
crural^  chair,  that  is  to  say,  an  arm-chair, 
you  see. 

Bib.  Now,  comrades,  I  am  come  to  speak  to  you 
about  our  manifold  wrongs.  I  have  been 
shamefully  treated.  Of  course,  when  I  say 
shamefully  I  mean  shamelessly. 

Several.  How  so  ? 

Bib.  How  so  ?  Why  I  have  been  shut  up  all 
night  in  a  dungeon — in  a  cellar — a  dry  cellar 

*  Rostrum.  f  Curule. 

3* 


BO 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


mind,  together  with  empty  barrels,  carcasses 
from  which  the  spirits  had  long  departed ;  and 
I  have  been  bitten  all  night  by  mosquitoes. 
And  all  for  nothing  ! 
All.  Shame  !  shame  ! 

Bib.  Will  you  stand  this  ?    Will  you  allow  your 

rights  to  be  thus  trampled  on  ? 
Dav.  Rights  ?     Why  you  said  you  came  to 

speechify  to  us  about  our  wrongs ;  and  now 

you  talk  about  our  rights.    Which  is  it  ? 
Bib.  Booby  !    Do  you  not  know  that  the  more 

wrongs  a  man  has,  the  more  rights  he  has  ? 

He  must  have  all  his  wrongs  set  to  rights. 
Verna.  To  be  sure,  Bibulus  makes  it  quite  plain. 

All  wrongs  are  all  rights.    Aren't  they  ? 
Bib.  Exactly. 

Dav.  And  therefore  wiser  worser,  all  right  is  all 
wrong. 

Bib.  That's  it.     That's  your  modern  plitical 
conomy. 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


31 


Verna.  So  right  or  wrong,  it's  all  one.  Hurrah ! 
All.  Hurrah  !  hurrah  ! 

Bib.  So  it  was  right  you  see, — no  it  was  wrong 
— let  me  see,  well  it  was  either  right  or  wrong, 
as  the  case  may  be,  to  keep  me  in  prison  all 
night ;  and  so  your  rights  were  wronged  in 
me. 

Urs.  But  you  haven't  told  us  what  it  was  for. 
Dav.  Aye,  tell  us  our  rights  that  you  were 

wronged  for. 
All.  Yes,  yes  !  what  was  it  for  ? 
Bib.  Why  for  a  paltry  flask  or  two  of  wine, 

which  I  drank  to  master's  health. 
Ver.  Then  if  I  understand  the  matter,  we  were 

wronged  in  not  having  our  share  of  it.  That 

was  our  right ;  and  it  was  you  who  wronged  us ! 

Down  with  him ! 
All.  Aye,  down  with  him!  [They  rush  toivards 
him.'] 

Euseb.  [laughing ;  steps  forward  to  check  them.'] 


32 


THE  HIDDEX  GEM. 


Come,  friends,  enough  of  this  folly.  The  long 
and  short  of  the  matter  is,  that  he  walked  into 
his  master's  Jiock,  and  so  the  master  walked 
him  into  his  quod.  That's  a  perfect  concord, 
agreeing  in  gender,  number,  and  case  ;  and 
therefore  if  one  agreed  with  him  the  other  did 
too. 

Bib.  I  think  it's  the  wrong  case  altogether ;  for 
certainly  JiocJc  agrees  with  me,  and  quod 
doesn't !  But  let  us  have  common  sense,  and 
none  of  this  cram  ! 

Dav.  Yes,  yes,  Bibulus  is  right — common  sense, 
now  !  Let  us  by  all  means  have  common  sense. 

Uuseb.  Very  well.  Let  me  ask,  is  not  the  wine 
the  master's  property  ? 

Several.  Of  course  it  is. 

Euseb.  He  has  a  right  to  keep  it  in  an  amphora 

in  his  cellar. 
Bib.  Aye,  till  we  can  get  at  it. 
Euseb.  Hold  your  tongue  till  I  have  done.  And 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


33 


if  it  be  poured,  as  usual,  into  a  sheepskin, 
may  he  not  still  lock  it  up  in  his  inner  cellar  ? 

Sev.  Certainly,  what  then  ? 

Euseb.  Or  if  into  an  ass's  skin,  does  that  make 
any  difference  ? 

Sev.  Of  course  not. 

Euseb.  Then  that  is  just  the  case. 

All  How? 

Euseb.  Pray  what  is  the  difference  between  its 
getting  into  Bibulus's  skin,  and  into  any  other 
donkey's  skin?  Had  not  the  master  an  equal 
right  to  lock  it  up  in  his  cellar  ?  And  that's 
just  what  he  did. 

All.  Bravo,  bravo  ?  Bibulus  is  an  ass. 

Bib.  [furious.^  I'll  pay  you  out  for  this,  one  day, 
Eusebius.  Listen,  my  friends.  All  this  comes 
of  bad  logic,  as  one  may  say  :  of  putting  the 
premises  before  the  consequence.  I'll  teach 
you  right  logic.  Pray  what  was  wine  made  for  ? 

Urs.  To  be  drunk,  of  course. 


34 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


Bib.  "Well,  then,  let  that  wiseacre  tell  you,  how 

wine  is  to  be  drunk,  without  being  drunk. 
Ver.  Very  good. 

Bib.  Then  you  see,  in  being  drunk,  I  only  did 
what  wine  was  made  for  :  ergo,  I  did  quite 
right. 

Dav.  And  therefore  quite  wrong. 

Bib.  But  the  fact  is,  the  wine  is  as  much  mine  as 
Euphemian's.  "Who  gave  him  the  soil  ?  Who 
gave  him  the  vines?  Nature  made  them  both, 
and  nature  gives  them  as  much  to  me  as  to  him. 
Before  nature  we  are  all  equal* 

All.  To  be  sure  we  are! 

Bib.  Then  why  is  not  the  wine  mine  as  much  as 

Euphemian's  ? 
Buseb.  Because  you  did  not  make  it. 
Bib.  Neither  did  he. 
All.  True,  quite  true ! 

Bib.  One  man  has  no  right  to  the  produce  of 
many  others'  labor  !    If  we  are  all  equal,  it 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


35 


is  clear  that  all  things  should  be  in  common  ! 
Down  with  artificial  distinctions,  say  I.  Why 
should  one  man  wear  broad-cloth,  and  another 
long-cloth  ?  One  drink  Falernian,  and  another 
Sabine  ?    Tell  me  that ! 

JSuseb.  Come,  Bibulus,  you  are  getting  venomous. 
Let  us  be  equal.  Why  should  you  stand  on 
a  chair,  and  we  on  the  ground  ?  You  have  all 
the  talk,  and  we  only  listen  ? 

Sev.  Go  on  !  go  on  ! 

Verna.  [shaking  a  rake.']  I  like  this  wholesale 
way  of  levelling ;  it  beats  rake  husbandry  hol- 
low. But  how  could  Ave  make  a  right  division  ? 
Lay  all  out  in  flower-beds,  as  one  may  say. 

Bib.  Oh,  very  easily.  You  should  have  the  gar- 
den :  Eusebius  might  take  the  library,  and 
welcome. 

Euseb.  Thank  you,  and  how  live  ? 

Bib.  Why,  haven't  I  heard  you  say  that  you  de- 
vour new  publications,  relish  a  good  poem,  and 


THK   HIDDEN   C KM. 


would  like  to  digest  a  code  of  laws?  Haven't 
you  often  declared,  that  in  a  certain  book 
there  was  want  of  taste,  that  another  was  a 
hotch-potch — that  one  writer  was  peppery,  and 
another  spicy,  a  third  insipid,  or  that,  poor 
wretch  !  he  had  been  terribly  cut  up,  or  made 
mince-meat  of,  and  completely  dished,  by  those 
cannibals  called  critics  ? 

Dav.  Bravo,  Bibulus ;  you  have  settled  his  hash, 
at  any  rate.    Now  for  the  rest. 

Bib.  Well,  then,  Strigil  might  have  the  stables 
and  horses,  Fumatus  the  kitchen,  and  I — the 
cellar. 

Sev.  No,  no  :  that  must  be  common  property. 
Urs.  This  is  all  very  fine :  but  how  are  Ave  to 

get  at  our  own  ?  Would  Euphemian  do  it  kind, 

and  give  up  ? 
Bib.  [hesitating  and  deliberating.']  Well,  on  that 

point,  I  do  not  clearly  see  my  way.  Belling 

the  cat,  eh  ?    I  can't  see,  unless  we  set  the 

house  on  fire — 


THE   HTDDEN  GEM. 


37 


Urs.  Nay,  that  would  be  destroying  all  our  pro- 
perty. 

Bib.  [aside.']  Except  the  cellar.  [Aloud.']  Still, 
that  would  be  a  noble  way  of  asserting  our 
rights. 

JDav.  To  be  sure  it  would,  and  it  would  be  great 
fun  ! 

Euseb.  Come,  Bibulus,  enough  of  this  fooling. 
You  are  now  becoming  mischievous,  and 
treacherous  too.  My  friends  and  comrades, 
you  cannot  be  so  mad  as  to  dream  of  such 
wickedness  and  absurdity. 

Urs.  [doggedly .]  Well,  then,  at  least  let  us  have 
the  satisfaction  of  setting  some  one  else's 
house  on  fire.  It  will  be  some  compensation 
for  being  trampled  under  foot  at  home. 

Sev.  Whose  shall  it  be  ? 

Bib.  I  like  the  idea,  as  a  sort  of  distraction,  you 
know,  from  our  own  grievances.  Let  me  see. 
Oh  yes !  there  are  plenty  of  neighbors  not 

4 


THE   HIDDEN  GEM. 


far  off.  Their  people  seem  tolerably  comfort- 
able, and  their  houses  are  in  good  order.  But 
there  are  some  in  them  that  would  like  to  see 
a  good  flare  up  ;  and  why  have  not  we  a  right 
to  give  it  them  ? 
Euseb.  Why  so  ? 

Bib.  Why  so?  Why  for  fifty  reasons.  First, 
they  don't  eat  beef  as  we  do.  They  ought  to 
eat  beef. 

Ver.  So  they  ought.  That's  a  capital  reason  ; 
what  else  ? 

Bib.  Then  they  are  not  like  us.  Not  one  of 
them  dare  talk  openly  of  setting  his  master's 
house  on  fire,  as  I  do.    We  are  free. 

Euseb.  And  easy. 

Dav.  Aye,  free  and  easy.    That's  the  age,  Sir. 

We  don't  care  for  Harry's  toggery  :  we  are  all 

for  demonocracy.    Aren't  we  ? 
All.  To  be  sure  we  are. 

Bib.  We  don't  mind  masters  or  stewards. — Do 

we  ? 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


39 


All.  Not  we. 

Bib.  We'll  pitch  them  all  out  of  the  window. — 

Won't  we  ? 
All.  That  we  will. 

Bib.  Beginning  with  Proc — Hallo  !  There  he 
comes. 

[Leaps  doivn  and  dives  under  the  table.~\ 

Enter  Proculus.    All  look  sheepish. 

Proc.  Well,  gentlemen,  what  is  the  meaning  of 
this  strange  meeting  in  the  hall  ?  How  come 
you  to  be  all  here,  instead  of  minding  your 
work  ?  Come,  speak,  some  of  you.  I  heard 
noise  enough  just  now. 

Dav.  Why,  Sir,  do  you  see,  as  this  is  the  sorrow- 
ful hanniversary  of  the  family,  we  thought  it 
shootable  to  hold  a  sort  of  conwiwial  meeting, 
just  to  poke  up  its  affliction.  So  we  have 
been  talking  over  our  wrongs. 

Proc.  Your  wrongs  ? 


40 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


Ver.  That  is,  our  rights,  you  know,  Sir. 

Proc.  Better  still.  This  must  be  some  of  Bibu- 
his's  work.  I  am  sure  I  heard  his  voice — 
where  is  he  ? 

Dav.  He  has  absquatulated,  Sir ;  but  I  think  he 
can  hardly  have  got  a  mile  off  yet. 

Proc.  He  shall  be  caught  in  due  time,  and  shall 
get  his  deserts.  [Bibulus  peeps  from  under 
the  table,  and  shakes  his  fist  at  Proculus,  who 
does  not  see  him.  All  laugh  J]  What  are  you 
all  laughing  at  ?  He  will  find  it  no  laughing 
matter,  I  can  tell  you.  However,  as  you  are 
here,  I  may  as  well  give  you  a  piece  of  news. 

All.  What  is  it  ? 

Proc.  Why,  that  your  master  has  just  now  taken 

a  fancy  to  a  beggar. 
All.  A  beggar  ? 

Proc.  Aye,  a  beggar,  a  man  calling  himself  a 
pilgrim,  whom  he  wishes  to  bring  into  the 
house,  to  sleep  here,  and  to  eat  and  drink  of 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


41 


the  best.  So  he  commands.  And  conse- 
quently to  be  dutifully  waited  on  by  you. 

Urs.  That's  a  downright  shame  ! 

Dav.  We  won't  stand  it!    It's  quite  beneath  us. 

Ver.  We  won't  sit  down  under  it !  We're  quite 
above  it. 

Proc.  [ironically .]  Oh,  but,  no  doubt,  you  will  do 

all  in  your  power  to  make  him  comfortable. 
Dav.  Oh,  to  be  sure  ! 

Proc.  When  he  is  asleep,  you  will  take  care  to 

make  no  noise  near,  to  disturb  him. 
Ver.  Of  course  we  will  ! 

Proc.  And  if  your  master  sends  dainties  to  him, 
you  will  not  intercept  them,  but  will  see  that 
he  is  well  fed,  and  gets  sleek  and  fat. 

Urs.  Won't  we ! 

Proc.  He  will  have  an  easy  life  of  it, — won't  he, 
now  ? 

All.  Trust  us  for  that !  A  beggar,  indeed ! 
4* 


42 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


Proc.  Well,  you  seem  pretty  unanimous  in  that, 
I  think. 

Dav.  Quite  magnanimous,  as  you  say,  Sir.  But 
where  will  he  lodge,  that  we  may  know  how 
to  keep  quiet  ? 

Proc.  \jpointing  to  the  cell.']  There,  under  the 
stairs. 

All  Ha  !  ha  !  ha  ! 

Dav.  He  will  hardly  have  a  glimpse  of  light. 

Ver.  Or  a  mouthful  of  air. 

Urs.  Or  room  to  turn  round. 

Proc.  So  he  will  turn  out  all  the  quicker. 

Euseb.  \_aside.~]  Why,  he  is  as  bad  as  Bibulus  ! 

\_To  Proc."]  Sir,  does  our  master  intend  his 

new  friend  to  be  so  treated  ? 
Proc.  Hold  your  tongue,  slave.   You  are  always 

prating  when  you  are  not  wanted.    My  men, 

you  are  all  agreed  ? 
All.  All. 

Proc.  How  he  is  to  sleep  ? 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


43 


All.  Yes,  Sir. 

Proc.  And  to  eat  ? 

All.  Yes,  Sir. 

Proc.  And  to  be  got  out  ? 

All.  Yes,  Sir. 

CHORUS  OF  SLAVES. 
1. 

There  shall  be  no  rest  for  his  aching  bones, 

None  to  his  weary  head : 
For  his  bed  shall  be  like  the  torrent's  stones, 

His  pillow  be  as  lead. 

2. 

To  him  shall  his  food  no  nourishment  yield, 

Refreshment  none  his  cup  : 
He  shall  eat  the  refuse  of  garth  and  field, 

The  fetid  pool  shall  sup.       [Exeunt  omnes. 


44 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


Scene  III. — The  same. 

Enter  Bibulus/rom  under  the  table. 

Bib.  Well  !  I  do  think  that  I  am  all  the  better 
for  a  little  sobering  under  the  table.  Really, 
if  I  had  not  given  way  from  a  boy  to  this 
rascally  propensity  of  mine,  I  might  have  been 
the  most  popular  leader  in  the  Empire  !  See 
how,  but  for  that  stupid  Eusebius,  who  always 
spoils  everything  good,  I  should  have  induced 
those  fools  of  comrades  to  set  the .  house  on 
fire,  and  I  should  have  obtained  my  revenge, 
and  escaped  in  the  confusion.  Many  a  fellow 
has  reached  the  Roman  purple  from  a  less 
promising  beginning. 

But  as  this  has  failed,  let  me  set  earnestly 
about  some  other  plan.  Again  and  again,  I 
have  been  vilely  used,  down  to  last  night. 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


45 


Aye,  last  night  !  That  was  the  last  drop ! 
That  can  never  be  blotted  out  except  by  one 
means. — Yes,  in  the  intense  solitude  of  that 
foul  dungeon, — in  the  Tartarus  of  that  broiling 
furnace — in  the  murkiness  of  that  endless 
night — still  more,  in  the  bitterness  of  an  en- 
venomed soul — in  the  recklessness  of  despair 
— yea,  through  gnashing  teeth  and  parched 
throat — I,  Bibulus,  vowed  revenge — fatal  re- 
venge. My  manacles  and  gyves  rung  like 
cymbals,  as  my  limbs  quivered  while  I  uttered 
the  burning  words ;  and  a  hollow  moan,  or 
laugh — I  know  not  which — re-echoed  them 
through  the  vault. 

And  when  did  an  Asiatic  heart  retract  such 
a  vow  ?  When  did  it  forego  the  sweet  deli- 
cious thought — the  only  luxury  of  a  slave — 
revenge  ? 

Euphemianus,  thou  shalt  not  be  long  my 
master.    Yet  Euphemianus  is  a  good  master 


46 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


— a  kind  and  gentle — Is  it  so  ?  Then  why 
does  he  allow  me  to  be  lashed  every  day  like 
a  hound — chained  up  like  a  ban-dog  ? 

But  it  is  Proculus  that  doth  all  this  to  thee, 
Bibulus. — And  who  is  Proculus,  and  what  is 
Proculus  ?  Only  the  other's  arm — his  hand — 
his  limb.  I  strike  not  at  these — I  aim  straight 
at  the  brain — the  heart — the  soul.  I  do  not 
maim  or  cripple — I  slay,  I  kill. 

Then,  if  Proculus  die,  what  better  am  I  ? 
There  are  fifty  worse  than  he,  and  ready  to 
take  his  place. — Here,  for  example,  comes 
one  of  them — 

Enter  Eusebius. 

Euseb.  Well  found,  Bibulus ;  here  is  something 

for  you.  [Grives  Mm  a  paper. ~] 
Bib.  What  is  this  ?    You  know  I  am  no  scholar. 

[Trying  to  read  it.'] 
Euseb.  Why,  in  two  words,  it  is  an  order  from 


THE   HIDDEN  GEM. 


47 


Proculus,  who  has  learnt  jour  late  proceed- 
ings, telling  you  that  you  are  degraded  from 
the  condition  of  a  house  servant  to  that  of  a 
country  slave,  and  commanding  you  to  proceed 
this  very  afternoon  to  Ardea,  there  to  begin 
your  labors. 

Bib.  [starting^]  To  Ardea  !  In  the  very  heat  of 
summer  !  To  the  most  pestilential  spot  in  the 
Roman  territory,  where  the  most  sturdy  perish 
in  a  year,  unless  born  there  !  Thither  am  I 
to  go — degraded,  too  ! — to  die  perhaps  in  a 
month,  like  a  frog  on  a  mud-bank,  when  the 
sun  has  dried  up  its  brackish  pool !  Has  Pro- 
culus thought  of  this  ? 

Euseb.  Most  certainly  ;  for  not  only  does  he 
know  it,  but  he  observed  expressly,  that  this 
was  a  more  lenient  punishment,  than  being 
scourged  to  death,  as  you  had  deserved.  You 
would  soon  die  out,  he  said,  and  we  should  be 
well  rid  of  a  pestilent  fellow. 


48 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


Bib.  Better  be  scourged  to  death  with  scorpions, 
than  sucked  to  death  by  poisonous  insects,  or 
by  a  wasting  miasma.  Does  Euphemian  know 
of  it? 

Euseb.  Not  yet,  but  no  doubt  he  will  confirm  the 
award.  Farewell,  Bibulus  ;  bear  with  courage 
what  you  have  heartily  deserved.  \_Uxit.~] 

Bib.  Farewell,  sycophant  !  farewell,  indeed  ? 
No,  not  yet. — There  shall  be  moaning  over 
death  in  this  house,  before  I  go  to  encounter 
it.  After  this  cruel  doom,  who  will  blame  me, 
if  I  seek  to  escape  it  ? — Yet  here  again  comes 
the  question — who  is  doing  this  ?  Proculus. 
Then  ought  not  my  vengeance  to  fall  on  him  ? 
Warily,  calmly — 'let  us  weigh  this. 

If  Proculus  dies — Eusebius  would  be  worse. 
Now,  if  Euphemian  dies,  it  is  very  different. 
We  know  that  by  his  will  he  has  released  all 
his  slaves.    So  let  Mm  die,  and  I  am  free. 
But,  is  this  generous?  or  honorable?  Tut, 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


49 


tut;  who  has  ever  been  generous,  or  honor- 
able, with  me  ?  And  am  I  to  begin  the  virtues 
first  ?    Out  upon  it — no  ! 

Yet  the  thing  must  be  done  cautiously, 
securely.  It  is  an  ugly  thing,  is  killing,  even 
in  revenge.  One  must  throw  a  veil  over  it — 
make  it  appear  like  an  accident,  even  to  one's 
self.  Ha  !  happy  combination — I  know  how 
at  once  to  procure  the  necessary  means,  and 
then — the  pilgrim  who  is  going  to  sleep  there 
[pointing  to  the  cell.~\ — Capital !  What  more 
likely  ? — He  has  some  design,  no  doubt — and 
he  will  be  the  only  person  near.  A  train  can 
be  easily  laid  to  bring  it  home  to  him. — Bravo, 
Bibulus,  thou  art  a  clever  hand  at  mischief. — 
By  one  blow  thou  shalt  gain  liberty,  security, 
and — revenge  !    Eh  ? 

Revenge  on  foes  is  sweet :  'tis  sweeter  still, 
When  yours  is  all  the  gain,  theirs  all  the  ill. 

[Exit. 

5 


50 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


Scene  IV. —  The  Aventine. 

Enter  Gannio,  in  rags,  ivith  a  wallet,  affecting 
to  be  lame. 

Gan.  Well,  that  was  a  wise  old  poet,  Ennius,  I 
think  they  call  him,  who  wrote  those  verses : 
"  Of  all  the  trades  in  Italy,  the  beggar's  is  the 
best, 

Because  if  he  is  tired,  he  can  sit  hiin  down  and 
rest." 

So  as  I  drive  a  thriving  trade  by  begging,  I 
will  use  my  privilege.  [Sits  down,  iviping  his 
forehead.]  I  have  walked  twenty  miles  to  get 
here,  for  this  blessed  day,  the  doleful  day  of 
the  house,  so  called,  I  presume,  from  the  liberal 
alms  always  doled  out  on  it. 

Enter  Bibulus,  unobserved. 

I  am  well  repaid,  however,  for  my  diligence 


THE   HIDDEN  OEM. 


51 


and  speed,  for  I  am  first  and  earliest  in  the 
field.  It  is  clear  that  none  of  the  fraternity 
have  slipped  in  between  me  and  the  first  pick 
ings. 

Bib.  [coming  forward.~\  You  are  wrong,  there, 
old  fellow. 

Gran.  Good  morning,  Bib  ;  what  do  you  mean  ? 

Bib.  Why,  that  a  more  knowing  one  than  you 
has  stepped  in  before  you,  and  regularly  done 
you  :  a  young  beggar,  which  you  are  not — a 
handsome  beggar,  which  you  never  were — and 
a  virtuous  beggar,  which  you  never  will  be. 
He  was  here  when  the  master  first  left  the 
house,  wormed  himself  into  his  favor  in  no 
time,  and  is  invited  to  eat,  drink,  and  sleep  in 
the  house — actually  in  the  house.  Orders  are 
that  he  must  have  the  best  of  everything.  So 
you  are  cut  out,  at  any  rate ! 

Gran.  [enraged.~\  The  villain!  all  my  precedence 
taken  from  me  ;  my  very  birthright.  Every 


52 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


praise  you  have  uttered  of  him  is  a  sting,  a 

dagger  to  me.    Where  is  he  ? 
Bib.  There  he  comes,  with  the  master.  [Stands 

aside  while  Euphemian  and  Alexius  pass  them, 

conversing,  and  go  into  the  house. ,] 
Gran.   Aye,  there  he  goes  !   a  sleek,  smooth, 

treacherous  rival ! 
Bib.  Rival  ?  Why,  don't  you  see  how  completely 

he  is  at  home  with  the  master  ? 
Gran.  That  I  do. 

Bib.  You  are  fairly  supplanted  there,  at  least. 
Gan.  I  see  it.    How  I  should  like  to — [makes 

a  gesture  of  stabbing.^ 
Bib.  Hush!  we  all  dislike  him  as  much  as  you. 
Gan.  I  am  glad  to  hear  that.    But,  how  can  it 

be  managed  ? 
Bib.  Gannio,  you  sell — you  know  what,  eh  ? 
Gan.  Powders,  to  kill  rats  ?   [Bibulus  nods.~\ 

Oh,  yes,  I  always  have  them  ready. 
Bib.  Are  they  sure  in  their  action,  and  safe  ? 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


53 


Gan.  Quite. 

Bib.  How  are  they  administered  ? 

Gan.  You  put  a  pinch  of  the  stuff  into  a  goblet 
— I  mean  where  the  rats  drink ;  and  any  one, 
— that  is,  any  rat, — that  tastes,  dies,  without 
remedy,  in  an  instant.  No  tales  to  tell — that 
is,  there  is  hardly  time  to  squeak,  you  under- 
stand ;  I  speak  of  rats,  you  know. 

Bib.  Of  course.  We  should  be  glad  to  get  rid 
of— 

Gan.  A  rat,  mind  you.  Recollect,  I  said  so, 
expressly.  I  have  nothing  to  do  with  anything 
else.  \_Draivs  a  box  out  of  his  wallet. ~\  What 
will  you  take  it  in  ? 

Bib.  [after  feeling  in  his  pocket,  takes  out  the 
paper  given  him  by  Eusebius.]  Here,  this  will 
do.    Is  this  enough  ? 

Gan.  [putting  some  potvder  into  the  paper. ] 
Enough  for  a  hundred  and  fifty  of  them. 

Bib.  And  I  suppose  for  one  beggar. 

5* 


54 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


Gran.  I  know  nothing  about  that.  But  I  hope 
I  shall  never  hear  of  him  again.  [Exit. 

Bib.  You  old  dotard !  Do  you  think  I  am  going 
to  risk  my  throat  to  get  rid  of  your  enemies  ? 
I  have  a  loftier  aim.  The  fate  of  Rome's 
noblest  patrician  is  folded  in  this  little  paper. 
But  I  have  no  time  to  lose.  [Exit. 

Scene  V. — The  Atrium.  A  table  rather  on  one 
side,  so  as  to  leave  the  door  under  the  stairs  free. 

Jtlnter  Euphemianus  and  Alexius  conversing. 

Euph.  Have  you,  perchance,  Ignotus,  ever  met, 
Or  in  your  travels  heard  of,  a  fair  youth, 
By  name  Alexius  ? 

Alex.  No  uncommon  one — 

Hath  he  no  token  whereby  to  distinguish  him? 

Euph.  None,  except  that  of  a  sad  history — 
He  was  the  son  of  an  illustrious  house, 
Daintily  bred,  and  heir  of  boundless  wealth : 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


55 


Yet  as  an  angel,  gentle,  sweet,  and  pure. 

By  all  beloved— by  one  too  highly  prized ; 

So  heaven  took  him  from  him. 
Alex.  Did  he  die,  then  ? 

Euph.  Alas  !  far  worse  than  that :  he  fled  from 
home, 

Leaving  his  parents  desolate  and  crushed. 
His  mother  melted  soon  away  in  tears, 
And  murmured,  as  she  patient  died,  his  name. 
[  Weeps. ~] 

This  day  completes  his  father's  five  years'  woe. 
[Looking  hard  at  Alexius.]  Methinks  he  must 

be  now  about  your  age. 
Perhaps  a  little  taller — no,  the  same.  [Alex. 

tries  to  turn  away.   Euph.  holds  him  and 

looks  in  his  face.~\ 
Your  eyes  remind  me,  too,  so  much  of  his, 
So  blue  and  mild,  like  doves', — but  he  was  fair, 
As  Phrygian   marble,  veined    with  purple 

blood. — 


56  THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 

Yet  travel  may  have  browned  his  cheek  like 
yours. 

His  graceful  mouth ;  yours  is,  no  doubt,  such  too, 
But  that  your  beard  conceals  it — had  a  trick 
So  sweet,  so  winning,  that  by  it  alone 
\  could  discern  him  from  ten  thousand — Ah  ! 
You  weep,  good  pilgrim,  too  :  thanks  for  those 
tears  ! 

Oh  tell  me,  then,  did  you  e'er  hear  of  him  ? 
Alex,  [confused.']  Ah!  yes,  dear  father! — I  had 
almost  said, 
You  look  so  kind — Yes,  venerable  Sir — 
I  do  remember  somewhat — let  me  see — 
Euph.  Speak  !  say,  for  heaven's  sake,  what  you 

remember. 
Alex,  [sadly.]  It  is  not  much,  I  fear. 
Euph.  Still  let  me  hear  it. 

Alex.  I  recollect  how  to  Edessa  came, 

Some  four  or  five  years  past,  well-furnished 
servants 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


57 


Of  a  great  Roman  lord,  in  quest  of  him  ; 
For  I,  with  many,  did  receive  their  alms. 
Euph.  [sighing.']  And  is  this  all  ?  Alas  !  they 

found  him  not, 
And  soon  returned,  to  whet  his  parents'  grief. 
Yet  do  I  hope  against  all  hope.    His  place 
Is  daily  kept  unfilled  at  every  meal, 
His  chamber,  swept  and  garnished,  nightly 

waits  him, 

Whom  day  or  night,  a  love  unchanged  will  greet. 
Alex.  True,  faithful  love  is  this !    Yes,  good 
Euphemian, 

Hope  still,  and  hope  :  your  boy  will  yet  return. 
Euph.  Ah !  think  you  so  ?   Or  say  it  but  to  flatter 

A  father's  longing  ? 
Alex.  'Twould  but  ill  become  me 

Thus  to  requite  your  love. 
Euph.  My  love  ?  What  love  ? 

Alex.  That  hospitable  love,  which  oft  before 

Hath  harbored  angels,  why  not  then  a  son  ? 


58  THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 

Euph.   Thank  you, '  Ignotus,  may  your  words 
prove  true. 

I  fain  would  learn  from  you  your  parents' 
names, 

Where  you  were  born,  where  you  have  spent 
your  youth. 
Alex.  [aside.~]  Heaven  protect  me  ! 
Euph,  Well,  another  time, 

For  now,  'tis  indiscretion  on  my  part 
To  keep  you  from  your  needed  rest — Here 
comes 

Who  shall  conduct  you  to  it.    Heaven  guard 
you.  [Exit. 
Alex.  And  be  it  blest,  this  trial  now  is  over, 
All  else  seems  light. 

Enter  Proculus,  who  sets  doivn  refreshment. 

Proc.  Sir  Palmer,  I  fear  you  must  be  weary. 
Your  chamber  is  prepared,  though  it  is  not 
such  as  I  could  have  wished. 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


59 


Alex.  Any  hole  or  corner  is  good  enough  for  me. 

Proc.  "Well,  I  knew  you  would  say  so,  wherefore 
I  took  you  beforehand  at  your  word.  You  see, 
though  the  house  is  large,  its  inmates  are 
many. 

Alex.  No  doubt,  plead  no  more,  I  pray. 

Proc.  One  suite  of  apartments  is  never  allowed 
to  be  occupied  ;  then  friends  often  drop  unex- 
pectedly upon  us,  with  large  retinues — great 
people,  rich  people,  you  understand?  respect- 
able people. 

Alex.  I  beg  you  to  spare  all  excuses.  Anywhere 
will  do. 

Proc.  As  I  suppose  you  will  only  want  a  few 
hours'  rest,  and  then  will  resume  your  pilgrim- 
age, a  small  chamber,  and  not  very  luxurious 
couch,  will  suffice. 

Alex.  Any  place,  good  Sir. 

Proc.  [showing  him  the  cell.]    Then  would  it ' 
please  you  to  rest  here  ? 


60 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM, 


Alex,  [smiling/]  Most  certainly — it  is  quite  a 

palace  for  me. 
Proc.  There  is  some  refection  for  you :  and  may 

your  slumbers  be  refreshing.  [Exit. 
Alex.  Is  this  to  be  the  sealing  sleep  of  life, 

Gluing  my  eyelids  in  un waking  rest  ? 

Shall  my  heart,  ere  'tis  over,  cease  to  beat, 

And  shall  my  soul  awake  to  heaven  this  day  ? 

It  would  appear  so  ;  for  I  now  have  reached 

My  place  of  birth,  to  hold  it  some  few  hours. 

Here,  then,  must  sound  my  last — I  am  pre- 
pared. 

My  lot  is  now  in  better  hands  than  mine. 

"  Live  we,  or  die  we,  we  are  still  the  Lord's." — 

One  prayer  may  serve  for  slumber  or  for  death. 

Our  life  is  Thine,  Creator  of  alWlesh, 
Living  or  dying,  wakeful  or  asleep. 
The  Hand  which  plays  among  the  chords  of 
life, 

Pressing  them  gently,  their  vibration  stills 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


61 


To  silence,  till  It  wake  them  once  again. 
That  Hand  I  kiss  this  day ;  for  It  hath  strained 
The  strings  of  love  and  pain  to  utmost  tension, 
And  now  will  soothe  them  with  Its  kindly 
touch, 

To  murmur  peace,  on  Its  paternal  palm. 

[Kneels. 

Father  !  who  here  this  thing  of  clay  didst 
fashion 

Into  Thine  Image's  terrestrial  frame, 
Its  dust  together  hold,  or  free  disperse, 
Where  rest  my  fathers,  or  are  outcasts  flung ; 
Make  it  the  earthworm's,  or  the  vulture's  feast, 
So  that  from  its  corruption  flash  my  soul, 
Into  the  furnace  of  Thy  purest  fire  : 
Or  rather,  like  a  pearl,  be  gently  dropped 
Into  the  abyss  of  thy  great  ocean-bosom, 
To  seek  in  vain  for  surface,  depth,  or  margin, 
Absorbed,  yet  unconsumed,  entranced,  yet 
free.      [Exit  into  Ms  cell,  closing  the  door. 
6 


62 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


Scene  VI. — The  same. 

Enter  Bibulus,  bearing  a  salver,  with  a  goblet 
and  food,  which  he  lays  on  the  table.  In  his 
right  hand  he  holds  an  ewer,  or  flag  on. 

Bib.  In  a  few  minutes,  Euphemianus  will  come 
for  his  daily  morning  refection,  and  will  find 
it  in  its  usual  place.  He  will  drink  it,  taste  it 
more  savory,  and  higher  spiced  than  usual — 
and  will  expire  !  What  an  easy  and  comfort- 
able death  ! 

[Striking  his  breast.~]  Down,  ye  growling 
curs  of  remorse !  Hush !  hissing  worm  of  con- 
science !  You  are  too  late — the  potion  is  mixed, 
and  the  fatal  drug  cannot  be  extracted.  And 
then,  remember  Ardea — this  afternoon — with 
its  death  of  a  mad  hound  foaming  at  the  mouth, 
or  a  viper  shrivelled  up  on  a  scorching  bank. 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


No  ;  no  more  qualms.  What  I  am  going  to 
do,  is  a  safe  remedy  of  all  my  ills — the  easiest 
way  of  gaining  all  my  ends.  And  that  sums 
up  all  the  morality  I  have  learnt,  in  these  days 
of  canting  virtue  ! 

Now  let  us  look  to  our  pilgrim.  [Takes  out 
a  pajjer,  and  looks  into  the  door.~\  Fast  asleep ; 
sleeps  like  a  dead  man !  [Goes  in  and  returns.~\ 
I  never  saw  any  one  so  soundly  asleep.  The 
paper  is  quite  safe  by  his  bedside.  [Pours  out 
into  the  goblet.~\  I  can  say  the  drink  was  here 
some  time  ;  and  I  cannot  be  further  respon- 
sible.— But,  here  comes  the  master — 0  hea- 
vens !  I  wish  it  were  well  over !  I  will  stand  by, 
and  the  first  to  give  the  alarm  !  [Retires.~~\ 

Scene  VII. — The  same. 

Enter  E uphemi an  from  the  street  door. 

Euph.  I  own  I  like  my  guest.    His  words  are 
sweet ; 


64 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


His  looks  call  up  some  image  I  have  loved. 

Then  his  affection  seemeth  almost  filial, 

Tender  and  melting  at  a  father's  woe. 

I  feel  athirst !  [Takes  the  cup,  and  is  putting 
it  to  his  lips,  token  a  solemn  voice  proceeds 
from  the  cell,  the  door  of  which  has  been 
left  ajar.~\ 

Alex.  EUPHEMIAN,  BEWARE  ! 

Euph.  [starting  and  putting  down  the  cup.']  Was 
that  some  play  of  fancy  mocking  me  ? 
[Looking  about.']  No  one  is  nigh,  'twas  plainly 
imagination. 
I  have  felt  tempted  e'en  to  press  my  guest, 
As  they  of  Emmaus  theirs,  to  rest  with  me — 
Perhaps  declare  him  my  adopted  son  ! — 
My  lips  are  parched  !  [Again  raises  the  cup, 
and  the  same  voice  is  heard.] 
Alex.  Beware,  Euphemian  ! 

Euph.  [puts  down  the  cup.]    Beware  of  what  ? 
Not  of  this  harmless  draught  ? 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


65 


Oh  no ;  I  know  that  voice ! — 'Tis  dear  Alexius, 
Far  off  in  body — ah  !  perhaps  in  heaven — 
Who  thus  reproaches  me,  for  my  unfaithful- 
ness, 

In  putting  of  this  pilgrim  in  his  place. 

[Passionately] 

It  shall  not  be,  dear  son !  But  oh !  why  speak, 
And  not  be  seen  ?  Yet  still,  if  thou  canst  hear, 
My  child,  this  cup  of  grace  I  quaff  to  thee  ! 
[  Waving  the  cup  over  Ms  head.    As  he  is 
just  going  to  drink,  Alexius  rushes  out, 
and  dashes  it  from  his  hand.'] 
Alex.  Hold  !  It  is  deadly  poison. 
Euph.  [loud.']  Ho  !  in  here  ! 

Enter  Proculus  and  slaves.  Alex,  snatches  the 
ewer  from  Bibulus,  and  puts  it  on  the 
table.  Alex,  in  the  middle,  Euph.  on  his 
right,  Proc.  and  Bib.  on  his  left :  the  rest 
on  either  side,  forward. 

6* 


66 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


Proc.  What  is  the  matter  ?  What  has  happened, 
Sir  ? 

Euph.  Foul  treachery  and  murder  have  been 
here. 

My  cup  was  poisoned. 
Proc.  Who  hath  told  you  so? 

Alex.  L 

Proc.       How  do  you  know  ? 

Dav.  Every  drop  is  spilt. 

Proc.  Bibulus,  you  prepared  it;  speak !  or,  sirrah, 

Your  life  must  answer. 
Bib.  Sir,  the  cup  was  pure 

As  heaven's  dew,  when  here  I  left  it.  What 

May,  in  my  absence,  have  befallen,  I  know  not. 

They  who  have  tampered  with  it,  best  can  tell. 
Proc.  Whom  do  you  mean  ?    Speak  plain,  man, 
out  at  once. 

Bib.  Him  who  discovered  it — how  knew  he  of  it? 
Poison  there  is,  but  in  his  tongue  who  sought 
Your  heart  to  envenom.    Put  him  to  his  proof. 

Proc.  Sir,  Bibulus  is  right  for  once. 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM.  G7 

Mwph.  There  seems 

Some  lack  of  proof  indeed. 
Alex.  Then  here  receive  it. 

[Draws  out  a  paperJ] 
This  paper  in  my  room  I  found — nay,  saw  it 
Hastily  dropped  there,  as  I  feigned  deep  slum- 
ber. 

Know  you  it,  Proculus  ? 
Proc.  0  gracious  heaven  ! 

It  is  the  order  but  some  hour  ago 

Despatched  by  me  to  Bibulus. 
Euseb.  [looking  at  itJ]  By  me 

Delivered  to  him. 
Enph.  What  does  it  contain  ? 

Urs.  'Tis  ratsbane,  I  can  see. 
Bib.  [aside.']  Fool  that  I  was  !  [Aloud.'] 

Assassins  may  be  thieves. 
Alex.  Then  come  to  proof. 

This  ewer,  Bibulus,  was  in  your  hand, 

When  here  you  entered  ;  was  it  not  ? 


68 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


All.  We  saw  it. 

Alex,  [takes  the  empty  cup  left  by  Proc.  and 
p>ours  into  it.']    No  one  with  this  has  tam- 
pered ;  drink  it  then, 
Before  thy  master's  eye.  [Offers  it  to  him.] 
Proc.  Yes,  drink  it  off. 

Bib.  Before  his  feet  to  die  !  Good  master,  spare 

me !  [Kneeling.] 
.Euph.  Oh,  heavens  !   Thanks  for  such  a  mercy. 
Proc.  Sir, 
Let  punishment  condign  requite  this  crime. 
Seize  him,  and  bind  him  fast,  for  death. 
All.  Aye,  aye,  Sir. 

[They  rush  on  him.] 
Alex,  [interposing  himself.]  Sir,  in  exchange  for 
your  life  saved,  I  ask, 
Give  him  to  me,  or  rather  to  your  son, 
On  this  his  mournful  day. 
Euph.  I  can't  refuse. 

Alex.  And  now.  for  my  reward — 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


69 


Euph.  Ask  what  you  please. 

Alex.  Your  purse  ! 
Euph.  What !  paltry  gold  ? 

Alex.  Yes,  .yes,  indeed, 

I  never  felt  so  covetous  as  now. 

[Euph.  astonished,  gives  him  his  purse.'] 
[To  Bibulus.]  Take  this  and  flee.    At  Ostia's 

quay  yet  lies 
A  vessel  bound  to  Palestine  ;  there  seek 
Pardon,  'midst  scenes  of  all-forgiving  love. 

[Exit  Bibulus. 

Euph.  As  yet,  Ignotus,  all  my  debt  remains 
Uncancelled,  and  must  be  so.    For  with  life 
I  owe  to  you,  whatever  gives  life  worth. 
This  house,  my  fortune — all  belongs  to  you. 

Be  this  my  first  request — we  part  no  more. 
We  share  this  roof,  through  what  of  life  re- 
mains. 
Where  are  you  lodged  ? 


70 


THE   HIDDEN  GEM. 


Proc.  An't  please  you,  Sir,  by  reason  of  some 

repairs,  and,  and — 
Euph.  And  what,  pray? 

Alex.  I  am  perfectly  satisfied  with  my  quarters, 
Sir. 

Proc.  Exactly,  Sir,  the  gentleman  being  anxious 
for  quiet  and  devout  retirement, — being  a  pil- 
grim, you  see,  Sir, — 

Ewph.  Come,  come,  tell  me  at  once — where  have 
you  harbored  him  ? 

Proc.  [confused,  and  pointing  back.']  Why,  there, 
Sir. 

Euph.  There  ?   In  that  dog's  hole  hast  thou 
kennelled  him  ? 
Is  that  the  pilgrim's  welcome  in  my  house  ? 
Shame  on  thee,  Proculus  ! 
Alex.  Peace,  good  Euphemian. 

If  I  had  not  lodged  there,  thou  wouldst  have 
died  ! 
All.  Very  true. 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


71 


Alex.  Now  this  chamber  hath  been  blest 

To  you  and  me :  I  claim  it  therefore  from  jou. 

There  will  I  live,  and,  if  heaven  pleases,  die. 
Muph.  Ignotus,  I  must  yield  to  you.    But  say, 

How  did  you  learn  my  danger  ?   Whose  voice 
heard  I ? 
Alex.  That  voice  was  mine. 
Muph.  [ciside.]  It  sounded  like  my  child's. 

Alex.  While  in  sound  sleep,  methought  there 
stood  beside  me 

A  being  fair,  but  radiant  as  the  morn. 

His  purple  wings  were  tremulous  with  gold, 

Like  cedars  in  the  breeze  at  set  of  sun. 

He  struck  my  side  and  woke  me.    Then  I 
heard 

That  slave's  foul  treachery.    He  entering  in 
With  black  design,  believed  me  fast  asleep, 
And  dropped  his  poisonous  bait.   I  started  up, 
And,  through  the  door  neglectfully  unclosed, 
Saw  all  the  rest. 


72 


THE   HIDDEN  GEM. 


JSuph. 


A  blessing  came  with  you 


Into  my  house. — But  say,  who  was  that  spirit  ? 
He  entered  too  with  you. — 


The  hospitable  threshold. — Mark  my  words. 
Four  angels  guard  our  gracious  works  of 
love, 

Guide  them  below,  and  chrpnicle  above. 
The  fainting,  feeds  from  silver  bowls  the  first, 
With  golden  cup,  the  second  slakes  their  thirst. 
The  third  the  naked  clothes  with  broidered 
pall ; — 

But  Hospitality  unites  them  all, —  Q 
To  clothe,  feed,  quicken,  when  his  jewelled 
key 

Opens,  for  harbor,  home,  or  hostelry. 
Him  these  three  spirits  tend, — him  glad  sur- 
round, 

Who  brighter  works  of  mercy  leaves  to  them  ; 


Alex. 


I  know  him  well. 


He  is  the  pilgrim's  angel,  he  who  wards 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


73 


"While  he,  with  seraph-gaze  bent  on  the  ground, 
Finds  in  the  dust,  and  saves  some  "  hidden 
gem."  [Exeunt. 


END  OF  FIRST  ACT. 


ACT  II. 

There  is  an  interval  of  five  years  betiveen  the 
first  and  second  acts. 

Scene  I. — The  Atrium.  Enter  Euphemian, 
Carimis,  with  Eusebius,  in  cloaks  and  petasi, 
or  large  hats.  Eusebius  takes  off  their  travel- 
ling attire,  and  goes  out.  Car.  has  the  bulla 
round  his  neck. 

(A  couch,  raised  only  at  one  end,  in  the 
apartment.) 

Euph.  Well,  dear  Carinus,  are  you  tired? 
7 


74 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


Oar.  No,  father ; 

(Since  I  must  call  you  so,  by  your  command,) 
This  morning's  journey  has  been  charming. 
What 

Could  be  more  lovely  than  the  Tiber's  banks, 
Fringed  with  those  marble  villas,  cool  i'th' 
shade 

Of  lazy  pines,  and  scarcely-nodding  cypresses  ? 

All  was  so  still ;  except  the  gilded  prows 

That  shot  along  the  water,  bright  yet  soft, 

As  swarms  of  summer  fire-flies. 
Euph.  Welcome,  then, 

To  your  own  goodly  home. 
Oar.  [looking  round  him.']         A  goodly  home. 

It  is,  indeed,  and  fair  !    And  yet  not  mine. 
Euph.  Right:  for  to-morrow  is  the  day  appointed 

For  your  adoption.    Then,  indeed,  more  truly 

All  that  you  see  will  yours  become  ;  and  more. 
Oar.  How  can  that  be,  your  heir  being  still  alive? 
Euph.  Alas  !  all  hope  is  now  extinct ! 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


75 


Car.  How  so  ? 

JSupJi.  I  have  in  vain  the  whole  world  travelled 
through, 

Made  proclamations,  offered  high  rewards, 
And  more  than  all,  have  trusted  to  the  in- 
stincts 

Of  filial  love,  wherever  it  might  be, 
To  claim  its  dues. 
Car.  If  heaven  had  stronger  claims 

All  this  was  vain. 
Euph.  Only  three  days  and  nights 

Did  Mary's  Son  allow  the  quest  for  Him, 
By  His  dear  parents — full  ten  years  has  mine. 
Car.  0  father  !  those  three  days  were  twenty 
years 
To  Mary's  heart ! 
Eupli.  [aside.~\        What  wisdom  hath  this  child  ! 
\_Aloud.~]  My  hopes  are  wearied  out.  There- 
fore to-morrow, 
The  anniversary  of  our  long  mourning, 


76 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


Shall  mark  our  change  to  joy.  Honorius 

comes 

To  honor  my  poor  banquet.    At  its  close, 
Amidst  the  clang  of  trumpets  arid  of  cymbals, 
The  Emperor  himself  will  name  you  heir 
Of  all  your  uncle's  wealth. 

Car.  And  if  Alexius, 

Before  the  echo  of  those  sounds  be  quelled, 
Appear  amongst  us  ? 

Euph.  No.    It  cannot  be. 

Conjure  not  up  such  fancies.    For  five  years 
I  have  been  buoyed  up  by  the  hopeful  speech 
Of  a  young  holy  pilgrim,  who  yet  dwells 
Within  these  walls.   Ten  years  is  long  to  hope ! 

Car.  But  tell  me,  father,  was  Alexius  all 

That  I  have  heard  described?    Gentle  and 
sweet, 

Obedient,  pure,  to  the  distressed  most  kind, 
To  saints  devout,  burning  with  higher  love  ? 
Euph.  All  this,  and  tenfold  more,  if  ten  times 
told. 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


77 


Car.  Then  let  me  be  the  sharer  of  his  virtues, 

Never  usurper  of  his  heritage. 

Alexius  lives,  and  will  claim  back  his  own. 
Euph.  How  say  you,  child  ? 
Car.  You  have  described  a  saint, 

Such  as  dies  not,  but  all  the  Church  shall 
know  it. 

Remember  how,  when  Servulus,  the  mendicant, 
Died  in  the  court  of  holy  Clement's  church, 
Our  earthly  psalmody  was  hushed,  to  hear 
The  angels  chaunt  his  passing-hymn  outside.* 
Euph.  Oh  !  may  it  be  so  !    Then  will  he  not  care 
For  worldly  wealth  or  honor  ! 

Enter  Eusebius. 

Euseb.  Pardon,  Sir  ! 

The  household  are  without,  anxious  to  pay 
Homage  to  you  and  to  their  future  lord. 

Euph.  Let  them  come  in  ! 

*  St.  Gregory's  Dialogues,  B.  iv,  c.  14. 
7* 


78 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


Enter  Davus,  Verna,  and  other  slaves,  and  range 
themselves  on  either  side. 

Euseb.  Your  servants,  Sir,  desire 

To  welcome  you  again,  after  long  absence, 
And  pray  you  many  years  of  home  and  joy. 
Dispel  the  cloud  which  hath  so  long  o'erveiled 
The  sunlight  of  the  house.    Try  to  forget 
By  learning  how  to  hope  !    May  this  young 

bloom  [Pointing  to  Car.] 
Upon  the  household  tree  gracefully  mantle 
The  winter's  past  decay. 
Car.  No,  good  Eusebius, 

Say  autumn's  ripened  fruit.    I'm  but  a  boy, 
And  cannot  take  the  place  of  manly  virtue. 
My  friends,  I  thank  you  for  your  kindly 

wishes, 

And  as  you  love  me,  grant  me  but  this  favor, — 

I  wish  not  to  be  courted,  nattered,  fed 

With  honeyed  speeches.  Let  me  hear  the  truth 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


79 


From  all,  at  all  times,  though  that  truth  be 
blame. 
All  Bravo  !  Bravo  ! 

Euph.  Thanks,  my  good  friends  ;  such  proofs  of 
kindly  feeling 
Bind  up  a  household  in  strong  mutual  love. 
Haste  now  once  more,  each  to  prepare  his  part 
For  the  glad  morrow  ;  when  our  Emperor 
Will  grace  our  board,  and  our  new  heir  pro- 
claim . 

To-morrow's  sun  shall  bleach  our  mourning 
palls, 

And  kindle  joy  in  these  ancestral  halls. 

[Exeunt  omnes. 

Scene  II. — The  same. 
Enter  Alexius  solus,  faint,  and  weak — sits  down. 

Alex.  How  long  ?  0  heavens  !  how  long  shall  I 
drag  on 


80 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


This  lingering  life  ?  Five  years  are  on  the  eve 
Of  their  completion,  since  I  entered  here. 
Smoothly  hath  time  flowed  on,  yet  quickening 
ever 

Its  rapid  course  ;  and  now  methinks  I  am 
Like  one  who  nears  a  cataract.    His  skiff 
Glides  through  a  noiseless,  foamless,  liquid 
furrow, 

Which  curves  at  last  over  the  craggy  ledge. 
So  sweetly  calm  I  feel,  so  lulled  to  rest, 
Though  still  upon  the  surging  wave.   My  heart 
Pants  audibly  indeed,  yet  does  not  fret. 

Gladly  before  I  die,  my  future  heir 
I  fain  would  see.    But  once,  while  yet  an  in- 
fant, 

I  stole  a  glance  at  him.    How  years  rush  by  ! 
Childhood's  best  prophecies  were  written  fair 
On  brow  and  lip,  illumined  by  the  eye : 
If  that  first  page  lied  not,  the  book  is  rare. 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


81 


Enter  Eusebius,  bearing  a  dish. 

JEuseb.  Good  day,  Ignotus,  I  have  longed  to  see 
you, 

Since  our  return.    My  noble  lord,  Euphemian, 
Now  gives  me  cause.    Accept  from  him  this 
food, 

Prepared  for  his  own  table.  But,  good  heavens ! 

How  sadly  altered  you  appear  !     Art  ill  ? 
Alex.  I  am  but  passing  well. 
Euseb.  I  fear,  Ignotus, 

That  in  our  absence  you  have  suffered  much 

From  the  unruly,  ill-bred  slaves. 
Alex.  Oh!  no. 

For  it  would  ill  become  me  to  complain, 

Who  was  sent  here  to  practise  deeper  patience 

Than  ever  hermit  in  his  desert  grot. 

Its  end  is  near  ! 
JEaseb.  What  mean  you,  friend  Ignotus  ? 

Alex.  You  soon  will  know.    But  tell  me  of  this 
boy. 


82 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


Euseb.  Carinus? 

Alex.  Yes.    Is  he  a  worthy  heir 

To  good  Euphernian  ? 
Euseb.  I  would  almost  say 

To  best  Alexius.  But  yourself  shall  know  hirn. 

For  much  he  longs  to  hold  some  converse  with 
you, 

Bred  up  himself  in  Asia. 
Alex.  Haste  to  bring  him. 

Euseb.  [going.]  I  go  to  seek. 
Alex,  [taking  up  the  dish.']    While  I  these  dain- 
ties bear 

To  Gannio  at  the  door ;  he  loves  them  dearly. 

As  he  is  speaking,  enter  Ursulus,  meet- 
ing him.    Euseb.  stops  suddenly  at  the 
door  on  the  other  side,  and  looks  from  a- 
distance  unseen. 

Urs.  Hallo,  sirrah  !  whither  so  fast  with  that  nice 
dish  ?    Give  it  up  instantly  !' 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


83 


Alex.  Willingly,  pray  accept  it  from  me  ! 

Urs*  Accept  indeed,  what  belongs  to  me  !  What 
right  have  you,  a  beggarly  intruder,  to  inter- 
cept what,  of  right,  belongs  to  the  household? 
I  will  not  accept,  I  take  it.^  [Snatches  aivay 
the  dish,  and  pushes  Alex,  rudely,  tvho  staggers 
backivards  on  the  couch,  and  rises  again  faint, 
standing  in  the  middle.  Just  at  this  moment 
Carinus  enters,  opposite  to  Eusebius,  and  starts 
at  seeing  this  act,  but  retires  to  the  back  of  the 
stage,  and  remains  unseen  behind  a  pillar.~\ 

JEuseb.  [rushing  for tuard  and  seizing  the  dish.~\ 
Avaunt,  foul  harpy  !  ravenous,  impure  ! 
Defiling  what  thou  touchest  ! 

[He  pushes  him  across  the  stage,  so  that  he  stag- 
gers against  Proculus  entering.  Then  puts 
down  the  plateJ] 

Proc.  How  now,  slave  ? 

Urs.  Eusebius,  Sir,  pushed  me  against  you,  after 


84 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


snatching  a  dish  from  me,  which  I  was  bearing 
from  Ignotus  to  Gannio. 

Euseb.  He  lies,  Sir,  foully. 

Proc.  Peace,  thou  forward  slave  ! 

Euseb.  No  more  than  thou  a  slave. 

Proc.  Ha !  dar'st  thou,  sirrah  ! 

Euseb.  Sirrah  me,  sir,  no  more !  I'm  free  as  thou. 

Proc.  We'll  see  just  now.  Come  Ursulus,  say  on. 

Urs.  I  say  then  that  it's  all  along  of  that  inter- 
loper Ignotus.  Since  he  came  into  the  house 
there  has  been  no  peace.  We  have  had  nothing 
but  quarrels  on  his  account.  And  Eusebius 
has  always  taken  his  part,  in  spite  of  what  you 
bid  us,  five  blessed  years  ago. 

Proc.  Thou  sayest  true.  Like  a  needle  or  an 
arrow-point  imbedded  in  the  flesh,  is  a  stranger 
that  thrusts  himself  into  a  house.  Wherever 
it  moveth,  it  causeth  irritation  and  pain. 

Euseb.  And  pray  did  he  intrude  himself,  or  did 
the  master  of  the  house  invite,  nay  press  him  ? 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


85 


Proc.  What  care  I,  so  he's  here  against  my  will  ? 
Alex.  Nay,  but  I  knew  not  that  it  was  so,  Procu- 
lus. 

Proc.  You  must  have  been  most  stupid,  then. 
Alex.  How  so  ? 

Proc.  Could  you  not  see,  before  you  had  been 
here 

A  single  hour,  how  I  had  vowed  a  vow, 

That  not  five  more  you  should  remain  ? 
Euseb.  That  vow 

Proved  false  as  he  who  made  it. 
Proc.  Silence,  slave  ! 

Alex.  Had  you  but  told  it,  never  would  Ignotus 

Have  stood  between  it  and  fulfilment. 
Proc.  Then 

Here  I  renew  it :  shall  it  be  fulfilled  ? 
Alex.  Surely  ;  to-morrow  I  go  hence. 
Euseb.  No  ;  never  ! 

Proc.  I  take  you  at  your  word,  Ignotus.    Go  ! 
Urs.  Aye,  to  the  gallows,  if  you  like,  false  palmer 
8 


86 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


Proc.   To-morrow,  by  this  hour — 

Urs,  Make  yourself  scarce. 

Alex.  It  shall  be  so. 

Euseb.  I  say  it  shan't. 

Proc.  Why  not  ? 

Euseb.  'Twill  be  a  day  of  joy. 

Proc.  Doubly,  without  him. 

Euseb.  'Twill  bring  a  curse  upon  the  house — 

Urs.  A  blessing  ! 

Alex.  Peace,  friends  !  Like  Jonas,  cast  me  into 
the  depths 
Of  seething  ocean,  to  restore  your  calm  ! 
But  let  me  reckon  with  you  ere  I  go. 
Ursulus,  tell  me,  wherein  have  I  wronged  you  ? 

Urs.  Why,  in  merely  being  here.  You  are  an 
eyesore  to  me,  a  blotch,  an  excrescence,  an 
ugly  wart.  Do  these  things  wrong  any  one  ? 
Yet,  who  can  bear  them  ?  Whom  does  a  spi- 
der hurt,  or  a  house-lizard,  or  a  centipede  ? 
Yet  who  does  not  loathe  and  hate  them  ? 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


87 


[Savagely.]  Who  would  not  gladly  set  his 
foot  on  one  of  them  when  he  sees  it,  and  crush 
it  thus  !  [Stamping.']  Their  offence  is  merely 
their  presence,  their  existence  !  And  that  is 
yours. 

Alex,  [smiling.']    Well,  my  existence  is  beyond 
my  reach, 

My  presence  I  have  promised  to  relieve  you  of. 

Now,  Proculus,  with  you  a  parting  word. 

Be  it  in  peace  ! 
Proc.  Aye,  peace  eternal ! 

Alex,  [mildly.]  Proculus, 

You  have  not  squandered  gentleness  on  me, 

Nor  lavished  kindness,  since  I  entered  here. 

I  speak  not  to  reproach  ;  you  did  not  mean  it : 

Nor  am  I  worthy  of  aught  better. 
Euseb.  Oh ! 

Speak  not  thus,  good  Ignotus.   You  have  been 

Foully  misused. 
Proc.  Peace,  slave,  I  say  again  ! 


88 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


Alex.  Forbear,  Eusebius  ;  well,  I  know  myself. 
\_Carinus  draivs  nearer,  still  unnoticed.'] 
Friend,  [to  Proc.~\  have  I  ever  murmured  a 
complaint, 

E'en  to  the  winds,  much  less  to  others'  ears  ? 
Have  I  not  bent  me  enough  to  your  reproaches, 
Bowed  lowly  enough  before  your  scorn,  or 
sunk 

Not  prostrate  quite,  beneath  the  sullen  blow, 
Or  stinging  buffet  of  you,  or  your  servants  ? 

Proc.  Hold,  villain,  hold, — 

Euseb.  The  "  villain"  in  thy  teeth  ! 

Alex.  Eusebius,  if  you  love  me,  silence!  Proculus, 
Say  if  in  this  I  have  not  so  demeaned  me 
As  hath  well  pleased  you,  and  I'll  crave  your 
pardon. 

If  I  have  not  been  meek  enough  and  humble, 
If  I  have  scandalized  some  weaker  brother, 
By  haughty  bearing,  while  within  this  house, 
Tell  me,  that  to  the  very  dust,  I  may 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


89 


Stoop  before  you  and  him,  and  part  forgiven. 

JEuseb.  Nay,  'tis  for  him  to  ask  your  pardon. 

Proc.  Bah  ! 

You  came  to  act  a  part,  and  well  have  acted  ! 
The  sleek  and  smooth-faced  palmer,  unrepining 
At  a  snug  berth.  Some  patience  is  good  pay 
For  five  years'  shelter,  clothing,  food,  and 
alms. 

Where  is  the  beggar  that  can't  bear  a  taunt, 
'  Aye,  or  a  blow,  for  one  coin  ?    But  five  years' 
Living,  upon  the  sweat  of  others'  brows, 
Must  be  a  beggar's  paradise  ! 
Euseb.  Shame  !  shame  ! 

Proc.  Aye,  shame  enough  !  that  a  young  sturdy 
vagrant 

Should  eat  the  bread  of  honest,  toiling  folk. 
Urs.  Hon  ester  than  himself,  I'll  warrant  you. 
Proc.  Shame,  that  he  should  be  sitting  all  the 
day, 

As  if  at  home,  within  another's  house, 

8* 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


Instead  of  putting  out  his  strength  to  interest, 
And  drawing  food  from  his  strong  sinewy  arm. 

Urs.  Pampered,  too,  with  the  best  of  everything ! 

Proc.  Can  I,  who  bear  the  burden  of  this  house, 
With  patience  see  a  lazy  parasite 
Feed  on  its  fatness  ?  suck  its  very  blood  ? — 

Now,  hear  my  answer  :  under  just  reproach, 
Scorn  well  deserved,  blows  richly  merited, 
You  may  have  wisely  bent — not  low  enough 
By  one  good  fathom,  for  my  deep  disdain. 

Alex.  Can  I  go  lower  than  the  dust  ? 

Proc.  Beneath  it ! 

Alex.  Your  wish  may  be  fulfilled. 

Proc.  No,  no  ;  to-morrow 

You  go  to  seek  elsewhere  your  grave.  Mean- 
time 

Thus  do  I  flout  you.    [Snaps  his  fingers  in 
Ms  face. ~\ 

Urs.  [shaking  his  fist  before  Alex.]  And  I  thus. 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


91 


Enter  Euphemianus. 

Euph.  How  now  ? 

Insult  you  thus  my  guest  ? 
Euseb.  0  were  this  all,  Sir  ! 

Proc.  Silence,  thou  slave  ! 

Euph.  Slave  !  He  is  now  my  freedman, 

And  so  your  equal. 
Proc.  \_confused.~]    Sir,  I  knew  it  not. 
Euph.  What  then  ? 

Proc.  I  saw  him  striking  Ursulus, 

Himself  methought  a  slave. 
Euseb.  Sir,  it  is  false. 

This  Ursulus  was  rudely  plundering 

Ignotus  of  the  food  you  sent  to  him, 

And  I  but  rescued  it. 
Urs.  0  foul  untruth  ! 

I  heard  Ignotus  say  he  wished  it  taken 

To  Gannio ;  so  I  took  it. 
Euph.  What  has  this 

To  do  with  what  I  saw  ? 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


Proc.  'Tis  that  these  two 

Make  common  cause  to  worry  all  your  house- 
hold, 

Leave  it  no  peace,  no  rest.    And  I  must  own, 

I  let  my  feelings  carry  me  too  far, 

When  you  surprised  me. 
Euph.  And  you,  then,  Ursulus  ? 

Urs.  My  tender  feelings  too  were  wounded,  Sir, 

He  called  me  harpy  ! 
Euph.  Who  ? 

Urs.  Eusebius. 
Euph.  Then  why  revenge  yourself  upon  Ig- 

notus  ? 

Easeb.  Give  me  your  ear  a  moment,  Sir. 

Proc.  Nay,  first 

Listen  to  me,  I  claim  my  right. 
Euph.  Proceed. 
Proc.  Ignotus,  Sir,  did  sore  provoke  me  first. 

He  taunted  me  with  having  scorned,  ill-used 
him  ; 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


93 


After  five  years  of  hospitality, 

Spoke  of  himself  as  of  an  injured  man. 

Car.  [from  behind.']  0  lying  villain  ! 

Proc.  [startled.]  Did  I  hear  a  voice  ? 

~Euph.  'Twas  but  an  echo.    Saith  he  true,  Igno- 
tus? 

Speak,  friend,  and  ease  my  soul.  [Pauses.] 
You  will  not  say  ? 
JEuseb.  I  will  speak  for  him.    It  is  a  false  tale 

From  first  to  last,  that  Proculus  hath  told. 
Proc.  'Tis  true,  Sir,  every  word.  Speak,  Ursulus. 
Urs.  If  it's  not  true,  I  never  spoke  the  truth. 
Proc.  See  then,  what  I  assert,  Sir,  is — 
Car.  A  lie  ! 

All  start ;  Proc.  and  Urs.  tremble. 

Euph.  Methought  I  heard  a  sound  !    It  must  be 
fancy. 

How  shall  I  judge  between  such  jarring  words, 
Such  yeas  and  nays  ? 


04 


THE  HIDDEN  (JEM. 


Proc. 


"Why  thus,  Sir,  Ursulus 


And  I  agree  on  one  side.  On  the  other, 
Eusebius  stands  alone — 


Alex,  [to  JSuph.~\  I  am  not  worth  disputing  thus 
about, 

For  so  I  add  affliction  to  your  charity. 
Who  am  I  that  should  contradict  or  one 
Or  the  other  ?   Pray  be  reconciled — once  more 
Be  friends. 

Proc.  You  see  he.  bears  no  testimon}', 

"We  therefore  stand  two  witnesses  'gainst — 
Car.  [coming  forward.']  Two. 

I  have  heard  all. 
Proc.  [aside.]     'Twas  then  his  voice  we  heard, 

All  is  now  lost ! 
Car.  From  first  to  last — aye  all. 

Eusebius  hath  said  true — the  others  false. 
Proc.  And  shall  a  stripling's  word  decide  the 
case, 

Against  two  old  and  faithful  servants  ? 


Euseb. 


Come  speak,  Ignotus. 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


95 


Car.  Yes. 
Father  !  or  rather  master  here  of  all ! 
Be  you  our  common  judge !  I  know  I'm  young, 
Not  witty,  nor  endowed  with  brilliant  parts, 
With  ready  thought  or  speech.   One  gift  alone 
From  infancy  I  have  possessed  and  higher 

prized, 
And  cherish  still. — 

Proc.  [ironically.']    And  pray  what  is  it  ? 

Car.  Truth. 
My  lips  have  never  lied,  nor  will,  Euphemian. 
Brutal  in  speech  and  action  both  have  been 
To  this  your  holy  guest.    \_Tahing  Alexius's 
hand.] 

Be  thou,  Ignotus, 
My  tutor  from  henceforth,  my  guide,  my 
friend  ; 

Teach  me  but  half  the  virtue  I  have  seen 

This  hour  in  thee,  reserving  to  thyself 

The  bloom  so  exquisite  that  made  it  lovely  ; — 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


Be  thou  to  me  Alexius.    He,  if  lost, 

Be  in  thee  found !    So  like  you  are  in  virtue ! 

And  what  are  learning,  genius,  wisdom,  save 

The  gems  wherein  to  set  that  peerless  brilliant  ? 
Alex,  [moved.-]  0  dearest  child !  would  I  could 
hear  thee  oft: 

To  learn  and  not  to  teach. 
Car.  But  jou  have  promised 

This  Proculus,  to  leave  to-morrow. 
Euph.  Is  it  so  ? 

Alex.  It  is,  and  I  must  keep  my  word. 
Car.  [to  Euph.]  Nay,  then 

You  must  command,  where  I  can  but  entreat. 
Euph.  Ignotus,  hear  a  father's  supplication  ; — 

[Alexius  starts. 

Father  to  this  poor  orphan  !    Stay  and  bless 

This  house  so  long  as  heaven  gives  you  life. 

Promise  me  this. 
Alex.  Most  faithfully  I  promise, 

Proc.  [aside.]  Prevaricator  ! 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


97 


Alex,  [to  Proc.']  And  be  true  to  you. 

Euph.  How  can  that  be  ? 

Alex.  To-morrow  you  shall  see. 

Till  then  be  all  forgotten,  all  be  peace. 

Euph.  Yes,  let  to-morrow  be  our  day  of  joy, 
That  gives  a  father  to  this  orphan  boy, 
Restores  an  heir  to  these  long  cheerless  halls, 
By  whose  award  each  of  you  stands  or  falls. 

[Exeunt  omnes. 


Scene  III. — The  Aventine. 

Gannio  seated  on  the  marble  bench,  eat- 
ing a  mess  in  a  boivl.  Enter  Bibulus 
muffled  up,  with  a  hat  slouched  over  his 
eyes,  and  a  beard.  Speaks  in  a  feigned 
voice. 

Bib.  Good  afternoon,  Gannio,  still  at  your  post, 
devouring  all  the  good  things  you  can  get  from 
Euphemian's  house. 

9  • 


08 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


G-an.  Pray  who  are  you,  that  make  so  free  with 
my  name  ? 

Bib.  Why,  don't  you  know,  old  fellow,  who  I  am? 
G-an.  Old  fellow,  indeed?   I  don't  know  who  you 

are,  but  I  can  tell  you  what  you  are. 
Bib.  How  so,  pray  ? 

G-an.  By  your  not  letting  me  know  who  you  are. 
Bib.  As  sharp  as  ever  !    Well,  ivhat  am  I  ? 
Gan.  Why,  you  are  an  impostor. 
Bib.  How  is  that  ? 

Gan.  A  man  who  won't  let  others  know  who  he 
is,  wants  to  impose  on  them ;  and  so  do  you. 

Bib.  It  may  be  only  to  you  that  I  do  not  want 
to  be  known. 

Gan.  Then  I  can  tell  you  that  you  are  worse. 

Bib.  What  ? 

Gan.  A  villain. 

Bib.  [laughing. ~\  Ha  !  ha  !  ha  !  how  do  you  make 
that  out  ? 

Gan.  Any  one  who  knows  Gannio,  as  you  evi- 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


99 


dently  do,  and  is  ashamed  of  being  known  to 
him,  must  indeed  be  a  villain  of  the  first 
water. 

Bib.  It  is  still  the  same  quaint  old  thing.  [Pulls 
off  his  disguise.~\  Look  at  me  now  !  Dost  know 
me  ? 

Gan.  Aye,  do  I,  and  for  worse  than  either  im- 
postor or  villain. 

Bib.  Nay,  then,  for  what  ? 

Gan.  Why,  for  a  fool ! 

Bib.  Wherein,  good  friend  ? 

Gan.  You  are  that  Bibulus  who  once  conceived 
a  great  idea — and  did  not  execute  it ;  formed 
a  grand  plan — and  failed;  determined  to 
commit  a  magnificent  crime — and  repented  ; 
prepared  poison  for  his  master — and  fell  on 
his  knees  before  him.  Bah  !  I  despise  such  a 
man. 

Bib.  Well  done,  Gannio  !  game  to  the  end  ! 
Gan.  Go  to  :  I  loathe  a  sneaking  penitent.  I 


100 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


suppose  you  have  been  wandering  all  over  the 
world,  and  have  come  back — 
Bib.  The  same. 

Gan.  I  was  going  to  say, — a  hypocrite.  Well, 

it  is  not  so  bad  ! 
Bib.  Now,  Gannio,  that  I  see  you  are  as  staunch 

as  ever,  I  will  tell  you  of  a  better  thing  than 

poisoning  Euphemian. 
Gian.  What  is  that  ? 

Bib.  Robbing  him. — Just  listen.  How  can  a 
man  of  your  spirit  sit  outside  of  a  house,  beg- 
ging for  its  scraps,  when  there  are  heaps  of 
gold  inside,  to  be  had  for — 

Gan.  Hanging,  eh  ? 

Bib.  Nonsense,  man.  You  may  be  rich  without 
risk.  To-morrow  Honorius  dines  there,  and  I 
know  that  on  such  an  occasion  the  table  is  all 
laid  out  the  night  before.  A  like  opportunity 
may  never  occur  again,  in  our  time.  Let  me 
see — the  last  time  was,  the  day  when  that 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


101 


foolish  boy  Alexius  ran  away ;  just  ten  years 
to-morrow.  I  remember  the  table  well.  Such 
plate  !  none  of  your  shim-sham  silver  gilt,  but 
real  sterling  gold,  for  centuries  in  the  family. 
Such  candelabra,  such  urns,  and  huge  dishes, 
and  flagons. 

G-an.  With  such  wine  in  them,  eh? 

Bib.  Not  yet.  We  must  keep  sober  over  it, 
Gannio. 

G-an.  Of  course.  [Puts  a  bottle  slung  round  Mm 

to  Ms  mouth. ,] 
Bib.  My  turn,  if  you  please.  [Drinks  from  it.~] 

But  we  must  have  assistance.    Do  you  know 

of  a  couple  of  trustworthy  villains,  Gannio  ? 

two  honest  scoundrels  ? 
G-an.  Aye,  do  I,  two  as  cunning  as  foxes,  and  as 

bold  as  lions. 
Bib.  Perhaps  too  as  ferocious  as  tigers.  [Gan. 

nods.~\  So  much  the  better.    What  are  their 

names  ? 

9* 


102 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


G-an.  I  don't  know;  but  we'll  call  one  of  them 
First  Robber  and  t'other  Second  Robber,  as 
they  do  in  a  play. 

Bib.  Aye,  but  we  are  not  acting  a  play,  surely  ? 

Gan.  No,  no,  Bibulus,  a  hanging  matter  is  no 
play.  Now  so  much  for  our  pals.  I  will 
secure  them ;  next  comes  how  to  manage  the 
'plant. 

Bib.  We  must  meet  here  at  dusk,  and  I  will  get 
you  with  myself  into  a  neglected  cellar  at  the 
back  of  the  house.  All  will  be  busy  opening 
the  huge  iron  chests,  unpacking  and  cleaning 
and  laying  out  the  plate.  Towards  morning 
they  will  all  go  to  rest ;  and  we  will  quietly 
walk  into  the  triclinium,  fill  our  sacks — none 
of  your  wallets,  good  big  sacks, — and  walk  out 
by  the  front  door.  The  only  difficulty  is 
where  to  stow  away  the  plunder. 

G-an.  I'll  manage  that.  In  a  back  street  hard 
by  lives  a  friend  of  mine.    One  sometimes, 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


103 


you  know,  picks  up  an  odd  brooch  or  ring, 
that  has  fallen  off  a  person,  and  needs  a  friend 
to  dispose  of  it. 

Bib.  Good  ;  he  has  always  the  pot  boiling,  I  sup- 
pose ?    But  how  does  he  pay  ? 

Gran.  Why,  to  tell  the  truth,  only  so  so. 

Bib.  What  does  he  give  for  wrought  gold,  for 
instance  ? 

G-an.  For  gold  he  gives  the  price  of  old  silver. 
Bib.  Unconscionable  villain  !    How  can  people 

be  so  dishonest  !  And  for  silver  ? 
Gan.  The  value  of  brass. 

Bib.  Why  it  is  downright  robbery  !    A  complete 

oppression  !    Then  for  brass  ? 
Gan.  Oh,  he  would  not  thank  you,  even,  for  any 

amount  of  it. 
Bib.  I  suppose  he  has  plenty  of  his  own  already. 
Gan.  Lots.    Then  all  is  arranged.    I  will  go 

and  see  my  friends.    At  dusk  we  meet  again. 

[Kicks  aside  his  wooden  bowl.]   There,  out  of 


104  THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 

my  sight,  vile  platter — henceforward  Gannio 
disdains  all  but  gold.  [Exeunt  severally. 

Scene  IV. — The  Atrium. 

Enter  Alexius  and  Carinus. 

Car.  Edessa,  then,  has  been  your  chief  abode, 
During  your  Eastern  pilgrimage.    You  loved 
it? 

Alex.  Dearly ;  it  is  a  city  of  much  beauty, 
Its  houses  stately,  and  its  churches  gorgeous. 
And  then  besides  it  is  in  truth  a  place 
Of  gentle  breeding,  and  of  courtly  manners. 
Nor  is  this  all.    The  East  does  not  possess 
A  seat  of  learning  more  renowned  than  that. 

Car.  I  well  remember  that,  in  Syria,  youths 
Who  panted  after  knowledge  oft  would  say, 
"  I  will  to  famed  Edessa,  there  to  study."* 

*  Edessa,  the  earliest  Christian  University,  had  national  col- 
leges for  Eastern  nations,  at  this  time. 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


105 


Alex.  Truly,  because  each  nation  hath  a  home 
Within  its  walls.    Syrians,  Armenians,  Per- 
sians, 

There  pass  their  youth  in  quest  of  varied  lore. 

From  many  fountains  elsewhere  issue  rills 
Of  letters  and  of  science  ;  some  will  creep 
Winding  along  the  plain,  and  dallying 
With  flowers  of  enervating  fragrance  ;  some 
Bound  sparkling  and  impetuous  from  the  rock, 
And  threaten  rudely  delicacy  of  faith. 
But  in  Edessa  these  all  flow  alike 
Into  one  deep  yet  crystal  cistern, 
Filled,  by  King  Abgar,  with  the  flood  of  life 
Fresh  from  its  source.*    There  they  are  puri- 
fied, 

Filtered,  refined ;  and  issue,  each  distinct, 
Yet  all  impregnate  with  celestial  lymph. 

*  According  to  primitive  tradition  he  received  Christianity 
from  its  living  Founder. 


106 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


Car.  How  marvellous  must  be  this  graceful  blend- 
ing 

Of  the  two  wisdoms,  into  one  design. 

But  say,  Ignotus,  could  a  boy  like  me, 
With  nought  else  gifted  but  desire  to  learn, 
There  profit  gain  ? 
Alex.  You  measure  profit  ill. 

The  vaunt  of  youth  lies  not  in  ready  wit, 
Shrewdness  of  thought,  or  sprightliness  of 
speech, — 

Torrents  in  spring  that  leave  dry  summer  beds, 
Trees  that  yield  early,  but  ill-ripening,  fruit. 
The  grace  of  youth  is  in  the  open  brow, 
Serene  and  true ;  in  blooming  cheeks,  that 
blush 

Praise  to  receive,  but  glow  with  joy,  to  give  ; 
In  eye  that  drinks  in,  flashes  not  forth,  light, 
Fixed  on  the  teacher's  lips,  as  hope's  on 
heaven  ; 

In  the  heart  docile,  unambitious,  steadfast. — 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


107 


A  youth  with  these  may  bind  a  smaller  sheaf, 
But  every  ear  contains  a  solid  grain, 
Which  heaven's  sun  and  dew  have  swelled  and 
ripened — 

Bread  of  the  present  life,  seed  of  the  next.* 
Car.  It  cheers  me,  so  to  hear  you  talk,  Ignotus. 
But  in  my  heart  deep  lies  a  secret  thought 
To  man  yet  unrevealed.    Your  words  so  sweet 
Would  charm  it  from  its  nest — 


*  The  following  was  the  text  used,  at  the  performance  of  the 
Drama,  at  the  Jubilee. 

Car.  It  cheers  my  heart  to  hear  you  talk,  Igno- 
tus. 

But  tell  me  more  :  is  there  among  those  homes 

Of  solid  learning,  one  which  you  prefer  ? 
Alex.  Where  all  are  excellent,  'tis  hard  to  choose. 

Affection  only  may  decide. 
Car.  E'en  this 

From  you  might  guide  selection. 


108 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


Alex.  Perhaps  unfledged. 

Car.  Yet  soon  must  it  have  wings.    Tell  me, 
Ignotus, 

Can  it  be  wrong  in  one  so  weak  as  I, 
To  fly  at  lofty  heights,  sublhnest  aims  ? 
Alex,  [surprised.^  What !  is  ambition  creeping 
in  already, 

To  torture  your  young  heart  ?  So  needless,  too ! 
For  yours  are  wealth,  nobility,  cemmand 
O'er  a  vast  appanage. 


Alex.  Listen  then. 

I  best  remember  one  of  large  dimensions, 
Furnished  with  all  its  purpose  could  demand, 
A  noble  library,  a  stately  hall, 
Art-bedecked  cloisters,  many-chapelled  church. 
I  often  lingered  by  its  walls  to  hear 
Now  sacred  chaunts,  now  shouts  of  youthful 
glee. 

Car.  How  is  it  called,  Ignotus  ? 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


109 


Gar.  Nay,  judge  roe  not 

So  meanly,  Ignotus ;  higher  far  I  soar. 
Alex.  Higher  than  Rome's  first  Senator?  [With 
emotion. ~\  What?  child, 
0  no  !  it  cannot  be  ! — You  cannot  dream 
To  match  your  flight   against  the  Roman 
Eagle's, 

Snatch  the  world's  sceptre,  and  usurp  a  purple 
Then  surely  doubly  dyed.     0  no,  Carinus, 
[Affectionately  .~\ 


Alex.  Near  its  gates 

A  lordly  yew  once  spread  its  boughs  ;  as  yet, 
Unplumed  by  time,  its  hollow  trunk  there 

stands, 
And  gives  it  name.* 

Car.  Proceed,  good  friend. 


*  Uskaw,  supposed  to  have  thus  received  its  name. 
10 


110 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


Such  hideous  fancies  darken  not  your  soul. 
But  should  their  distant  pest-cloud  but  ap- 
proach, 

Fly  from  its  baleful  shadow  as  from  death  ! 
Car.  0,  dear  Ignotus,  this  would  be  to  fall, 
With  broken  pinion,  lower  ;  not  to  rise. 
Earth's  gifts  while  scorning,  can  I  love  its 
crimes  ? 

Alex.  Then  solve  me  your  enigma,  dearest  child. 


Alex.  It  chanced, 

As  I  Edessa  left,  that  I  did  pass 
Before  its  porch,  and  saw  unusual  stir, 
Great  preparations  for  a  festive  day. 
They  bid  me  gently,  and  I  entered  in. — 
It  was  my  palmer's  privilege.    They  said 
That  day  they  kept  their  Jubilee. 

Car.  What  meant  they  ? 

Alex.  'Twas  the  completion  of  just  fifty  years, 
Since  they  had  there  abode. 


THE   HIDDEN  GEM. 


Ill 


Car.  A  nobler  name  than  "Caesar"  or  "Augus- 
tus" 

I  covet :  such  commands  I  long  to  issue 
As  angels  execute,  and  demons  dread : 
To  wear  no  purple,  but  what  once  He  wore — 
The  King  that  ruled  o'er  Pilate's  mocking 
court : 

To  stand  before  an  altar,  not  a  throne, 
Bearing  not  the  world's  lordship,  but  its  Lord  ! 
Alex,  [tenderly.']  0  loved  Carinus,  how  my  fears 
have  wronged  you ! 


Car.  A  happy  day, 

And  joyful,  must  that  jubilee  have  been  ! 

Alex.  Aye,  had  you  seen  those  youths'  bright 
faces,  heard 
Their  ringing  cheers,  their  gladsome  minstrelsy, 
Tasted  their  bounteous  banquet,  witnessed 
The  sacred  drama  they  so  well  performed, 


112 


THE  IIIDDEN  GEM. 


May  heaven's  bright  blessing  beam  on  your 
resolve ; 

May  choicest  grace  bedew  its  tender  roots, 
Till  it  grow  up  to  ripeness.    But,  my  child, 
Have  you  weighed  well  its  sequences,  condi- 
tions, 

Its  difficulties,  sacrifices,  loss  ? 
Euphemian  binds  to  you,  as  its  first  link, 
The  chain  of  long  succession  to  his  name  ; — 
While  you  would  close  it. 


In  honor  of  the  day,  you,  though  a  stranger, 
Would  have  pronounced  it,  joyful,  happy  day! 
Car.  Indeed  I  would  !  and  were  there  strangers 
there  ? 

Alex.  Yes,  many  whom  kind  courtesy  had  brought. 
But  there  were  others  whom  affection  drew, 
Or  duty  even ;  for  they  called  that  house 
Their  mother.    Some  were  venerable  prelates, 
And  many,  holy  priests,  who  once  had  walked 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


Car.  But  how  gloriously  ! 

The  priest,  like  the  apostle,  ends  his  line, 

However  proud  its  nobleness,  more  nobly ; 

As  the  sun's  furnace  yields  at  eve  its  gold. 
Alex.  How  tell  Euphemian  this  ? 
Car.  There  is  my  trial, 

And  yet  to-morrow,  it  must  needs  be  told. 

Will  you  not  help  me  ?  [Caressingly.'] 
Alex,  [looking  iqnvards,  and  tJioughtfullg.']  Yes, 
dear  boy,  I  will. 


Along  those  cloisters,  book  in  hand,  to  con 
Their  youthful  lessons;  there  were  many,  too, 
Who  thence  had  gone  to  battle  with  the  world; 
And  now  returned,  to  thank  the  very  walls 
Whence  they  had  plucked  their  arms.  Glad- 
ness prevailed, 
And  mutual  gratulation.    All  felt  bound 
In  one  community  of  grateful  love. 

10* 


114 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


So  noble  is  your  thought,  so  sweetly  told : 
So  dovelike  is  your  nestling,  yet  beyond 
The  eaglet  I  had  deemed  it,  that  if  e'en 
It  needed  for  its  growth  my  heart's  best  blood, 
There,  like  the  pelican,  I'd  feed  it  willingly, 
Till  thence  you  drew  it  forth. 
Car.  0  speak  not  so  ; 

To-morrow  you  shall  help  me  to  disclose 
My  so  long  burrowing  purpose.  [Hesitating.] 
And  perhaps 


Car.  But  surely,  few  could  measure  back  that 
term 

Of  half  a  century  ? 
Alex.  Alas  !  but  few. 

And  in  the  house  one  only.    In  the  midst 
Of  all  he  sate,  uniting  old  and  young, 
Friends  of  his  youth,  disciples  of  his  age  ; 
So  that  he  smiled  on  all,  and  made  all  smile. 
Hi>  life  the  chain,  which,  threading  one  by  one 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


115 


You  then  will  tell  me  your  own  history. 
Ignotus — pardon— you  are  not  what  men 
Take  you  for.    'Neath  that  coarse  dress,  and 
in  that 

Spare  form,  those  features  wan,  there  lurks  a 
spark 

Of  noble  nature,  and  of  brilliant  fire. 

Oh  !  tell  me  who  you  are  ! 
Alex.  Yes,  yes,  to-morrow  ! 

Car.  To-morrow  !  Everything  on  that  dark  day  ! 

It  looks  to  me  like  a  storm-laden  cloud, 


The  circlets  of  past  fifty  years,  joined  them 

Into  one  generation.    Many  hung 

From  ring  or  link ; — alone  he  held  both  ends. 

So  many  had  he  led  on  wisdom's  path, 
So  many  had  sustained  up  virtue's  steep, 
That  by  consent,  they  called  him  all — "  the 
Doctor," 


116  THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 

Embosoming  blight,  fever,  dark  dismay. 
And  yet  athwart  it  darts  one  precious  beam 
Of  glory,  shooting  from  the  deepest  hue. 
It  bears  your  name,  Ignotus,  and  it  shines 
Upon  my  future  way. 
Alex,  [deeply  affected.']  Blest  be  its  omen  ! 
But  you  are  wanted — so  farewell,  my  child, 
Farewell — who  knows  ?     Yes,  yes,  we  meet 
again  ! 

Car.  Farewell  until  that  terrible  to-morrow  ! 


Aye,  "  the  old  Doctor,"  was  their  name  of  love.* 
Oar.  0  dear  Ignotus,  you  have  made  me  envious 

Of  others'  happiness — but  you  seem  weary. 
Alex.  I  should  have  been  much  more,  except  for 

you. 
Car.  How  so  ? 

Alex.  Because  nought  is  so  sweet  to  me 

As  to  converse  with  fresh  ingenuous  youth, 

*  The  Rt.  Rev.  Mgr.  Newsham,  President  of  St.  Cuthbert's 
College. 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


117 


Alex,  [thoughtfully  and  tenderly.]  'Twill  not  be 
terrible  when  next  we  meet. 
When  our  eyes  glass  themselves  in  one  ano- 
ther's 

Tears  will  have  been  wiped  from  them ;  mourn- 
ing none, 

Nor  pain,  nor  sigh,  will  be — first  things  are 
passed. 

Car.  Farewell,  I'll  try  to  dream,  then,  of  that 
bright  to-morrow  !  [Exeunt. 


And  guide  its  opening  impulses.    I  fear, 
My  child,  that  you  are  wanted  ;  till  to-morrow 
Farewell ! 

Car.  That  terrible  to-morrow  !  But, 

Ignotus,  talk  to  me  again  and  soon, 
To-night  my  dreams  shall  bear  me  to  Edessa. 

Alex.  May  they  be  omens  of  a  true  event  ! 
You,  who  are  young,  oh,  may  you  live  to  see, 
A  second,  not  a  brighter,  Jubilee  !  [Exeunt. 


118 


THE   HIDDEN  GEM. 


Scene  V. — The  same. 

Night.     The  stage  darkened. 

Enter  from  the  house-side,  Bibulus, 
Gannio,  and  two  robbers.  Each  is  muffled 
up,  and  carries  a  sack  heavily  loaded,  the 
two  robbers  have  knives  or  daggers  in  their 
girdles.  They  grope  one  after  another, 
Bibulus  leading. 

Bib.  This  way,  masters,  this  way,  we  are  now 

just  at  the  door. 
1st  Bob.  Which  way  ? 
Bib.  Why  this  way. 
2d  Bob.  But  which  is  this  way  ? 
Bib.  Follow  me,  you — 
1st  Bob.  Come,  no  sauce — where  are  you  ? 
Bib.  Follow  your  nose,  then,  straight  across  the 

court. 

[At  length  they  meet  in  the  middle.'] 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


119 


Here  we  are  at  last  altogether.    Now  take 
hold  of  one  another,  and  follow  me. 

[As  they  do  so,  a  glimmer  of  light  ap- 
pears from  Alexius's  cell.  They  turn 
round,  and  see  him  kneeling  with  his  arms 
extended.  They  stand  in  attitudes  of 
amazement,  two  on  each  side;  and  as  the 
scene  proceeds,  one  by  one  lay  doivn  their 
sacks,  stupified  and  over aived.  The  light 
goes  on  increasing,  till  it  reaches,  before 
the  chorus,  its  utmost  brightness.'] 

Alex.  Ye  blessed  spirits,  watch  over  this  house, 
Defend   its   goods  and   inmates   from  the 
prowler  ; — 

And  if  mine  own  long-wished-for  hour  draw 
nigh, 

Oh,  let  me  hear  once  more  your  minstrelsy. 


120 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


CHORUS  OF  UNSEEN  SPIRITS. 

Angels  watch,  aloft  to  bear, 
Pilgrim  youth  !  thy  parting  prayer. 
Into  night's  dark  veil  is  weaving 

Golden  threads  the  coming  sun  ; 
Earth's  cold  gloom  behind  thee  leaving, 
Haste  thy  course  of  light  to  run. 
On  our  bosoms  sunk  to  rest, 
Wake  among  thy  kindred  Blest  ! 

Alex,  [starting  up.~]  I  come,  I  come,  I  come  ; — 
oh  !  tarry  for  me. 

[The  robbers  run  away,  out  of  the 
house — Day  breaking.] 
Alex,  [recovering  from  his  trance,  roused  by  the 
noise.'] 

What  means  all  this,  what  have  we  here  ?  Ha ! 
thieves  ! 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


121 


'Tis  well  I  watched;  what  treasures  they  have 
seized ! 

The  door  must  be  made  fast;  [Shuts  and  bolts  it.] 

and  until  day 
Has  roused  the  slumbering  family,  this  spoil 
Will  be  securer  here  !  [Pats  the  sacks  into  his 
cell  and  shuts  it.~\ 

Well,  thanks  to  heaven  ! 
My  poor  last  will  and  testament  is  written. 
[Looks  at  a  scroll,  and  puts  it  back  into  his 
bosom.] 

So  I  am  ready.  [A  great  noise  of  trampling 
and  calling  out  from  the  house.] 

Ah  !  the  theft's  discovered. 

Enter  Proculus,  and  all  the  servants,  in  great 

confusion  and  ivith  much  noise. 
Urs.  They  must  have  got  out  this  way.  The 

back  door  is  closed,  and  I  have  been  at  it  these 

two  hours. 

11 


122 


THE   HIDDEN  GEM. 


Proc.  All !  Ignotus.  You  too  are  up  betimes  ; 
have  you  seen  any  robbers  pass  this  way  ? 

Alex.  No,  but  I  heard  them  running  off. 

Dav.  [picking  up  a  spoon.']  Here  is  proof  that 
they  have  passed  through  this  ! 

Proc.  [who  has  been  to  the  door.]  Aye,  and  more- 
over, the  front  door  is  bolted  and  barred  ;  so, 
courage  boys  !  the  robber  is  still  in  the  house. 
He  shan't  escape. 

Ver.  [looking  into  the  cell.]  Eureka  !  eureka  ! 
Here's  the  plunder,  lads,  here's  the  magpie's 
nest !    Look,  look  ! 

[They  draw  out  the  sacks,  and  surround  Alexius, 
in  menacing  attitudes,  and  ivith  angry 
gestures.] 

Dav.  So  you  didn't  see  the  robbers,  eh  ?  Good 
reason  why,  you  had  never  no  looking-glass  in 
your  room. 

Ver.  Perhaps  if  you  had  had  your  slippers  on, 
you  wouldn't  have  heard  them  either. 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


123 


Proc.  Well,  I  think  this  time,  my  good  pilgrim, 
you  will  not  wind  yourself  so  easily  out  of  it  : 
[^b/(7t']  and  that  forward  hoy  is  not  here  to 
help  you. 

Enter  Euphemian  and  Eusebius. 

JSuph.  How  now,  my  men?  It  is  strange  that 
the  very  day,  on  which  my  house  is  to  be  most 
highly  honored,  and  I  wished  it  to  be  the  most 
orderly  and  peaceful,  should  commence  with 
absolute  tumult,  as  if  the  place  were  possessed 
by  evil  spirits. 

Proc.  One  at  least,  Sir,  we  have  found  ;  but  I 
hope  we  shall  be  able  to  lay  him  effectually 
this  time. 

[Pointing  to  Alexius,  who  is  faint  and in  pain .] 
Euph.  What  again,  and  so  soon  after  my  pro- 
claiming a  truce  to  your  quarrels  till  after  the 
festivities  of  to-day,  are  you  insulting  and  as- 
sailing the  o-ood  man? 


124 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


Proc.  The  good  man  indeed  !  the  thief,  the  rob- 
ber of  jour  house.  [Showing  the  sacks.'] 

Euph.  Good  heavens  !    What  means  this  ? 

Proc.  It  means  neither  more  nor  less  than  that 
during  the  night,  the  most  valuable  portion  of 
your  plate,  laid  out  for  the  imperial  banquet, 
has  been  carried  off,  that  the  doors  are  all 
fastened  inside,  and  that  we  have  found  it  all 
in  Ignotus's  room. 

Euseb.  Do  not  believe  so  clumsy  a  tale,  Sir.  De- 
pend upon  it,  this  is  only  a  conspiracy  got  up 
against  him. 

Urs.  We  are  all  witnesses  to  the  truth. 

All.  Yes,  Sir,  all  of  us. 

Euph.  Surely,  Ignotus,  this  cannot  be  true  ? 
And  yet  the  evidence  seems  strong  against  you. 
This  time  ycu  must  explain.  [Pauses.]  What, 
not  a  syllable? 

Euseb.  0  dear  Ignotus,  one  word  will  suffice. 
Your  no,  will  answer  all  their  accusations. 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


125 


Alex.  And  vet  I  may  not  speak  it.    [Aside  to 
Eiiseb.] 

Good  Eusebius, 

My  lips  are  sealed. 
JEuseb.  Oh  not  by  guilt,  just  heaven? 

Alex.  No  :  by  example,  too  sublime  to  name. 
Euph.  Ignotus,  I  implore  you,  speak. — Still 
silent  ? 

Speak,  or  I  must  believe  your  guilt. — No 
answer  ? 

This  silence  doth  condemn  you, — wretched 
man — 

[Sorrowfully  and  indignantly. ] 
Have  I  then  ta'en  a  viper  to  my  bosom, 
Whom  worthy  I  had  deemed  to  be  a  son  ? 
A  faithless  robber  for  a  holy  man  ? 
And  have  five  years  of  seeming  piety, 
Of  feigned  austerity,  and  sham  religion, 
Been  but  a  hypocrite's  deep  preparation 
For  vilest  treachery,  and  meanest  crime  ? 
11* 


126 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


Who  will  believe  again  in  human  virtue, 

If  this  be  true? 
Alex.  Oh  spare  me  !  mercy  !  pity  ! 

Euph.  Aye,  pity  me,  who  have  been  cozened  so ! 

Ignotus,  had  you  wanted  gold,  and  told  me, 

You  should  have  had  it,  in  its  choicest  forms. 

I  loved  you  well,  and  thought  I  owed  you  much ! 

Now  you  have  shamed  yourself,  alas  !  and  me ; 

Before  my  servants  and  my  child,  have  made 

Virtue  a  byword,  godliness  a  scorn. 
Alex,  [staggering  fortvard.']  Believe  it  not;  but, 
oh  !  I  am  so  faint, 

I  cannot  speak. 
Euph.  Alas  !  remorse,  I  fear, 

Chokes  up  your  utterance,  and  saps  your 
strength. 

Better  confess  your  guilt  by  one  short  word, 
And  seek  forgiveness  ! 
Alex,  [looking  about,  dixtr  acted. ~]  Oh!  where  is 
that  boy  ? 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


127 


Euph.  Never  shall  you  set  eye  on  him  again, 
To  blight  his  virtue  by  its  basilisk  gaze. 
Go,  go,  Ignotus,  go  in  peace — forever. 

Alex,  {endeavoring  to  approach,  and  kneel  be- 
fore Mm.7] 

Oh !  spurn  me  not ;  by  all  that  is  most  dear 
Still  to  your  heart ;  by  your  poor  son  long  lost, 
By  him  who  will  this  day  replace  him,  I 
Conjure  you,  hear  me. 
Euph.  No,  Ignotus,  no  !  [Motion- 

ing him  back.~\ 
Fly  from  my  sight,  thine  hour  to  go  hath 
knelled. 

Alex.  Ah !  now  I  know  'tis  true ;  Angels,  I  come ! 
From  other  hands  I  well  could  stand  a  bloiv, 
The  wave  of  that  is  death.    It  fills  my  cup — 
To  die  a  thief  reputed  in  that  heart, 
Where,  upon  earth,  alone  I  cared  for  love  ! 
Farewell !  [He  sinks  back  into  Eusebius's  arms, 
and  is  laid  on  a  couch,  raised  so  as  to  face 


128 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


the  audience.  His  right  hand  hangs  by 
his  side,  his  left  is  close  pressed  on  his 
bosom.'] 

Euph,       Let  him  lie  there  to  gather  strength, 

Then  give  him  means  to  go. 
Euseb.  Sir,  'tis  too  late, 

His  last  is  breathed  on  earth. 
Euph.  Oh  !  say  not  so  ! 

'T would  be  an  end  too  horrible  ;  a  robber's 

Invoking  Angels,  unrepented,  too  ! 

Enter  Carinus. 

Car.  What  hath  occurred  so  early  to  disturb  you? 
Euseb.   See  here,  my  boy,  your  friend  Ignotus 
dead ! 

Car.  Impossible  !  Awake,  Ignotus,  rise — 

[Alarmed. 
It  cannot  be  !  what  can  have  killed  him  ? 
Proc.  Conscience ! 

Car.  What  does  that  mean  ? 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


129 


Proc.  Remorse ! 

Dav.  He  died  a  thief. 

Ver.  Just  to  escape  a  hanging. 

Car.  I'm  bewildered ! 

No,  no,  his  spirit  can't  be  fled.    He'll  keep 
His  promise  to  me,  to  remain  with  me.  [Kneel- 
ing and  taking  his  hand  in  both  his.'] 
Will  you  not  speak  to  your  new  pupil  ?  Press 
His  hand  at  least.    Yours  is  yet  warm  !  Oh 
give 

One  token  that  you  know  him  !  Ah  me  !  I  fear 

[Bursting  into  grief. ~] 
It  is  too  true ;  some  sudden  cause  hath  driven 
His  soul  to  an  abode  more  worthy  of  it. 
If  so,  before  high  heaven,  I  protest 
Against  it  loudly,  and  declare  him  guiltless. 

Euph.  [roused  out  of  deep  sorroiv,  passionately.'] 
Let  go  that  hand,  Carinus,  lest  its  touch 
Pollute  you  !  'tis  a  robber's,  child  ! 

Car.  [looking  up,  astonished.]         A  robber's? 


IjO  the  hidden  gem. 

Euph.  Aye,  a  blasphemer's,  too  ! 

Car.  Blasphemer's  ? 

JEuph.  One  who  by  his  hypocrisy  would  nigh 

Make  us  henceforth  forswear  all  virtue  ! 
Car.  How,  Sir  ? 

What  can  this  mean  ?     Do  you,  then,  join 
your  slaves 

In  hateful  condemnation  of  your  friend  ? 
JEuph.  Oh,  yes,  at  last  plain  evidence  of  guilt 

Hath  flashed  upon  me. 
Car.  Though  'twere  like  the  sun, 

I  would  deny  its  ray. 
JEuph.  [pulling  Mm  away.~\  Come,  leave  that 
bier 

To  its  own  load  of  guilt. 

Car.  What  guilt  ? 

JEuph.  First,  theft 

Basest  in  kind ;  and  after  'twas  committed, 
And  rank  remorse,  or  heaven's  unseen  bolt, 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


131 


Had  felled  the  culprit,  he,  without  repent- 
ance, 

Commended  him  to  Angels'  hands. 
Car.  Enough ! 

No  hardened  villain    could    have    done  as 
much ! 

Still  less  a  gentle,  saintly  youth  like  him  ! 
One  hour  of  converse  with  him  yesterday, 
Made  me  well  knoAv  him  !    I  dare  to  proclaim 
His  innocence,  and  challenge  all  to  proof 
Of  any  guilt  in  dear  Ignotus. 
Ewph.  Rash 

And  foolish  boy,  I  needs  must  call  you,  now. 
Last  night  this  house  was  robbed  of  precious 
plate, 

And  there  it  lies  !    [Pointing  to  the  sacks.'] 
Car.  But  pray,  where  was  it  found  ? 

Proc.  Within  his  cell. 

Car.  [thoughtful  and  abstracted.']  And  so  was 
Joseph's  cup, 


132 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


Found  in  the  sack  of  Benjamin — yet,  still, 

He  was  no  thief!  others  may  there  have  left  it. 
Muph.  This  is  unreasonable — e'en  in  a  child. 

The  door  was  closed  and  bolted  from  inside, 

No  one  can  have  escaped. 
Car.  [after  a  moment's  pause.']  Eusebius,  Pro- 
culus, 

Haste  to  the  door ;  fresh  sand  was  strewn 

before  it, 
For  the  imperial  visit,  yester-eve. 
A  morning  shower  hath  crisped  its  surface  ; 

see 

If  footsteps  have  yet  pressed  it.  \_T1iey  go  and 
return.] 

Euseb.  Heaven  bless  thee,  gifted  boy  !  the  prints 
are  clear, 

Of  two  men  to  the  right,  two  to  the  left, 
Fleeing  from  off  the  very  door  step. 
Proc.  Four, 
No  doubt,  have  passed  the  threshold. 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


133 


Car.  And  just  four 

Are  these  thieves'  packages. 
Euseb.  0  noble  youth  ! 

What  instinct  have  the  pure  to  find  the  truth ! 

[A  loud  knocking  at  the  door ;  it  is  opened. 
Enter  an  officer,  dragging  in  Bibulus  and  Gannio, 
handcuffed^ 

Officer.  Hath  anything  happened  amiss  in  your 
house,  my  lord  ?  These  two  men  were  seen 
to  run  out  of  it,  and  after  a  hot  pursuit  have 
been  captured.  Two  others  took  another  direc- 
tion, and  I  fear  have  escaped.  [He  throws  off 
their  hats.'] 

Several.  Bibulus,  I  declare ! 

Others.  Gannio,  upon  my  word  ! 

Bib.  [kneeling.']  Good  Sir,  once  more  forgive 
me ! 

Euph.  Surely  I  am  bewitched !  What  means 
all  this  ? 

12 


134 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


Bib.  Last  night,  we  two — 

Gan.  Indeed,  Sir,  he  induced  me, 

To  join  in  robbing  you,  with  two  companions. 

JSuph.  Speak,  one  or  other,  but  go  on. 

Bib.  [rising.-]  We  filled— - 

Aye,  there  they  are — four  sacks  with  plate. 

Thus  far, 
We  had  in  safety  reached. — 

Euph.  Well,  who  then  stopped  you  ? 

Bib.  He  who  once  saved  your  life,  now  saved 
your  house. 

Euph.  How  so  ?  What  did  he  ?  Speak  !  my 
heart  will  break  ! 

Bib.  We  heard  him  pray  that  Angels  would  pro- 
tect it ; 

Then  shone  a  glory  round  him  like  the  sun, 
While  unseen  spirits  in  a  heavenly  strain, 
Welcomed  him  to  them.     Scared,  we  fled 
away, 

As  Roman  soldiers  before  Easter's  ray. 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM.  135 

Eujph.  Oh  !  wretched  man  I  am  !    This  clay  I 
hoped 

Would  bring  joy,  honor,  glory  to  my  house, 

Yet  hath  it  bred  more  grief,  and  anguish 
here,  ♦ 

Than  any  other  anniversary. 

Oh  !  shame  to  have  thus  spurned  the  inno- 
cent, 

Nay,  almost  cursed  him !  seen  him  die,  un- 
moved, 

Loaded  his  corse  with  ignominy  !  Oh  !  blind- 
ness, 

Not  to  have  learnt  after  five  years'  experi- 
ence, 

What  one  day  taught  this  child,  his  depth  of 
virtue  ! 

My  life  indeed  must  now  be  spent  in  weeping 
Over  such  guilt ! 

But,  Proculus,  haste,  tell 


13G 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


As  best  you  can,  the  Emperor  my  grief, 
And  beg  indulgence  till  a  brighter  day  ! 
Proc.  Stay ;  for  here  comes  a  royal  chamber- 
lain. 

Enter  Chamberlain. 

Ohamb.  Noble  Euphemian,  I  come  from  Hono- 
rius  ; 
He  follows  shortly. 
Ea ph.  We  are  not  prepared 

Thus  early.    Why  this  haste  ? 
Ohamb.  Have  you  not  heard, 

That  through  the  churches  of  the  entire  city, 
A  voice   has  clearly  rung,   "  Haste  to  the 
Aventine, 

A  saint  hath  died  there  !"    Crowds  arc  flock- 
ing hither 
By  every  avenue.     The  Emperor 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


137 


And  Pontiff  Innocent  have  sent  me  forward, 
To  ascertain  the  spot ;  for  no  one  knows 
Where  any  saint  hath  lived,  and  may  have 
died. 

Eupk.  Oh  !  viler  still  am  I !    A  virtuous  man, 
Methought  I  had  misjudged,  yet  'tis  a  saint 
I  have  held  in  my  house  five  years,  nor  known 
him  ! 

And  at  his  death  I  have  reviled  him  !  Go, 
Pray  my  good  lords,  the  Emperor  and  Pope, 
Not  to  approach  the  house  of  one  so  sinful 
As  I  have  been,  till  tears  have  washed  my 
guilt. 

Car.  Oh  !  weep  not,  father,  comfort  soon  will 
come. 

These,  your  good  princes,  may  be  sent  to 
bear  it. 

There  was  a  purpose  in  this  great  conceal- 
ment, 

A  mystery  of  virtue  unrevealed, 
12* 


138 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


Buried  in  this  deep  heart ; — 

[Touches  Alexius's  breast.] 
Ha  !  and  is  this  its  epitaph  ?   \_Draivs  a  scroll 

from  the  hand  on  the  bosom.    All  look 

amazed.] 

What's  here  ? 

[Opens  the  scroll,  looks  at  it,  shrieks  as  he  lets  it 
fall,  and  throws  himself  in  passionate  grief 
across  the  bier.  Eusebius  picks  up  the  scroll, 
and  gives  it  to  Euphemian,  who  looks  at  it, 
drops  it,  and  buries  his  face  in  his  hands, 
moaning.'] 

Euph.  0  woe  is  me  !  deeper  my  anguish  still ! 
Keener  my  shame,  blacker  my  crime  !    Alas ! 
That  I  should  not  have  known  thee,  not  dis- 
covered ! 

That  I  should  have  been  dead  to  every  throb 
Of  a  paternal  heart,  deaf  to  its  cries  ! 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


139 


Nay,  that  I  should  have  overlooked  the  yearn- 
ings 

Of  thy  true  filial  love,  to  be  reclaimed — 
(So  many  instances  I  now  remember) 
Looks  to  me  like  a  spell  cast  over  me. 
But,  read,  Eusebius,  read  my  final  sentence. 

JSuseb.  [who  has  taken  up  the  scroll,  reads  amidst 
profound  silence,  and  signs  of  amazement.'] 

"I  am  Alexius,  son  of  the  Senator  Euphe- 
mian.  A  supreme  command  sent  me  away 
from  my  father's  house,  to  wander  as  a  pil- 
grim for  five  years.  My  time  was  chiefly 
passed  at  Edessa.  After  that  period,  I  was 
similarly  commanded  to  return,  and  die  in  the 
place  where  I  was  born.  My  father's  charity 
has  supported  me  till  this  my  last  day. 

"  I  keep  my  promises  to  all.  Proculus,  I 
depart  hence  forever.    Carinus,  child  of  my 


140 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


heart,  I  remain  with  you  to  guide  you  still, 
though  unseen. 

"  My  father  !  mourn  not  for  me  ;  you  have 
secured  for  me  greater  happiness  than  this 
world  can  give.  Be  hospitable  ever  to  the 
stranger :  be  charitable  to  the  poor.  The 
heir  of  your  house  is  found  again,  as  he  has 
often  promised  you.  But  as  you  decided,  he 
should  to-day  make  the  award  between  your 
servants,  regarding  the  pilgrim  Ignotus,  he 
hereby  pronounces  in  favor  of  universal  par- 
don, forgctfulness,  and  reconciliation. 

"  Alexius." 

Proc.  Let  me  be  foremost,  Sir,  to  claim  this 
pardon, 

As  in  offending  I  have  been  most  forward. 
Deeply  I  grieve  my  past  injustices. 
Alt.  So  do  we  all. 

Bib.  and  Gran.    And  Ave  our  base  attempt. 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


141 


Euph.  All  I  forgive — but  who  will  pardon  me  ? 
Far  in  the  depths  of  some  Egyptian  desert, 
Must  be  my  shame  and  sorrow  buried.  There 
Tears  of  repentance  may  blot  out  my  guilt. 
[Kneeling  by  the  couch  and  seizing  Alexius's 
hand.'] 

Ah  !  now  I  recognize  those  placid  features 
In  thee,  my  son,  by  which  I  should  have  known 
thee  ! 

Here  is  thy  noble  brow,  serene  in  grief, 
Here  are  thy  truthful  lips,  smiling  in  death, 
Oh  that  thine  eyes  would  open  ; — yet  their  lids 
Can  scarce  o'ercloud  the  azure  of  their  orbs  ! 

[Rising  passionately.] 
How  blinded  I  have  been !   Oh  !  who  will  draw 

me 

From  the  abyss  of  my  despair  ? 
Car.  [clinging  to  Euph.]  I  will. 

Remember,  father,  'tis  in  ignorance, 
And  in  obedience  to  a  higher  will, 


142 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


That  you  have  acted.    What  to  you  brings 
sorrow 

Gives  him  renown  on  earth,  in  heaven  glory. 
HJuph..  And  what  is  that  ? 

Car.  Why,  to  have  meekly  died 

Under  false  censure  of  the  kindest  judge. 
What  Isaac  would  have  been,  had  Abram's 
knife 

.Cleft  his  unmurmuring  breast, — that  is  Alex- 
ius. 

Nay,  more ;  he  could  not  be  the  saint  he  is, 
Had  he  not  passed  that  "lamma  sabachthani" 
'Tis  the  sublimest  martyrdom  of  soul. 
Eupli.  Child,  thou  hast  comforted  me!  \To  the 
Chamberlain.']  Go,  tell  the  princes 
Who  wield  the  keys  and  sceptre  of  both  worlds, 
That  here  reposes  one  in  each  most  great. 
Myself  and  my  young  heir  await  them. 

[Exit  Chamb. 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


143 


Car.  Father, 
I  pray  you  speak  not  so.  [Pointing  to  Alex.] 

There  is  your  heir, 
Returned  to  claim  his  own,  and  keep  his  pro- 
mise. 

All  here  is  his,  and  he  departs  no  more. 
Uuph.  How  shall  this  be  ? 
Car.  You  have  no  other  heir, 

I  will  be  none.    Heaven  has  called  him  saint ; 

This  is  his  tomb,  his  shrine,  his  temple ;  here 

Must  rise  a  stately  church,  with  ample  clois- 
ters, 

To  lodge  the  pilgrim ;  your  estates  endow  it ; 

You  be  its  faithful  steward. 
Uuph.  And  Carinus  ? 

Car.  Will  be  its  priest.    Till  age  and  law  permit, 

He'll  seek  Edessa.    In  (its  yew-named)*  col- 
lege, 


*  Or  (some  fair-famed) . 


144 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


Learning  with  virtue  will  make  years  glide 
quick. 

His  diligence  shall  run  a  race  with  yours, 
So  nicely  matched,  that  both  of  you  shall  win. 
What  time  the  sacred  dome  shall  have  been 
built, 

Its  priest  from  secret  study  will  emerge. 
(For  silent  toil  is  youth's  best  husbandry.) 
Here  he  will  toil  in  his  sublime  vocation, 
Console  the  sorrowing,  rejoice  the  poor  ; 
The  body's  ills  relieve,  but  cure  the  soul's, 
And  wing  it  for  the  flight  beyond  all  pain. 
Then  when  the  work  and  griefs  of  day  are 
ended, 

He'll  sit  him  down  beside  his  cousin's  tomb, 
To  meditate  upon  his  hidden  worth, 
Inglorious  virtues,  and  unhonored  grace, 
His  humble  life,  and  ignominious  end, — 
Yet  saintly  glory  ! 
Eupli.  Oh  !  Carinus,  stay, 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


145 


The  myst'ry  now  I  read  of  this  great  day ; 
Which  to  my  house,  through  ways  by  us  least 
thought, 

More   glory,  than  all  earth's  renown,  has 
brought. 

I  read  its  lesson  too,  so  high  and  true, — 
By  him  well  taught — so  be  it  learnt  by  you  : 
"None  in  the  Church's  golden  diadem 
Can  shine,  that  is  not  long,  a  hidden  gem." 


THE  END. 


13 


In  the  first  performance  of  this  Drama,  ihe  "Chorus  of 
unseen  Spirits''  was  adapted  to  the  Music  of  Mendelssohn's 
beautiful  Trio  in  the  Elijah,  u  Lift  up  thine  eyes."  A  new 
musical  composition,  which  cannot  fail  to  be  admired,  has 
been  kindly  supplied  for  the  song  by  Mr.  SCHULTHES, 
director  of  the  Choir  and  Choral  College  of  the  Oratory, 
Brompton  :  though  of  course  either  may  be  used.  Both 
choruses  may  be  sung  without  accompaniment. 


CHORUS  OF  SLAVES. 

ACT  I. — SCENE  II. 
Tempo  risoluto.  VERDI. 


TENORI. 


BASSI. 


ACCOMP.  -I 


There     shall  I 
f 

-  i!L_^z=Mzzzzz?  -'zr'-EE+z^'-i 

There     shall     be   no    rest     for  his 


There     shall     be   no    rest    for  his 
/ 


ach-ing  bones,  No,  none,  no,  none,  for  his 
, — ,  , — ,  ,  <  , — , 

ach-ing    bones,  No,      none,  no,     none,  for  his 


14 


150 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


-A 

-  ry 

P 

wea  -  -  ry 


head 


IE: 


W 


 ij:  '  jf=> — ^~j7~r 

head ;     His      bed    shall     be    as  the 

EEE!EJEEEKEEEE?EEi 

ead ;     His      bed    shall     be    as  the 
— i  t  rn-n  i  '~n--n"T 

f 

ErE^EEEiEEEEEEE^Ei 


tor  -  rent's  stones,  His         pil  -  low  shall  be  as 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM.  151 


m 

=3  3  rfe- 

lead 

L  =^= 

His  food 

w  i 

shall  to  him  no 

—b-.r—  ----- 

lead,             His  food 

8«/7.  

shall  to  him  no 

Hp 

n-':=l-=|- 

5 

9.  1 

i 

£=E  #1  =*»  ^-E 

-F  ■  1  

  i 

-J8^-}-  h-i  

shment  yield,  Re  -  -  -  i 

.-?*  :/| 

resh  -  ment  none  his 

8f«.  .  .  . 

shment  yield,  Be  -  -  . 

resh  -  ment  none  hi 

3 

•l  J- 

fa 

i.  i    i  .  S  #.  i 

152 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


ZEIS!— 


cup, 


 1  Zl~Z!  


He  shall  eat 


the     re  -  fuse 


cup, 


the 


He  shall  eat 


fuse 


— i — h" 


E:E=ETf^^3E?E£::f 


~  b  p-  .cz=-C-=— d^ifcffifczi— gqfij— | 


 *  \-9T~-    ?-  rHrz  »t — t 

ar  -  den  and  fielc 


of      the     gar  -  den  and    field,  of  the  gar  -  den  and 


T 

fr 


of      the     gar  -  den  and     field,  of  the  gar  -  den  and 


-m — 


I  -s 

'I  t~a  g  »  r-  J 


s  9  j-w  p 

* — — t  


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


153 


1  9  g  1  v~v~T 

field,  The      fe  -  -  -  tid       pool,  the 

-km-  -b?r0  ^0 


field, 


The 


tid 


pool,  the 


trem: 


i©  r# 


— 1 ffp'?==5  r-^ — ^  _  1 


fe  tid     pool,   the     fe  -  -  -  tid      pool,  the 

 fL*  — e_r-_f-  t    ■    "I*"  f"  "P* 

 r  r  _  »  r_  p»— p-p — ~r~  gp~r~  i — e»~  e; 


tid 


8va. 


pool,    the     fe  -  -  -  tid       pool,  the 


154 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


fe  tid 


pool,  the  fe  -  -  -  -  tid      pool,  shall 


 t — f~  Um^f'  j~  T~r~ /nffr  ~r 


^ — i — ~r~  %f — I — i  p~g  — -j,  1 — - — r~n —  | — - 


tid      pool,  shall 


Ii:fZZr=r-r-tirr=^rr 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


155 


3 

-»—r 


field, 


r—f— 


 »— T-f— -I  — I — g— p-t 

the 


6?I 

pool, 

'r  f    «  ft  "i  1 

— ID  1  rr~i  1  w 

field,  The     fe  tid  pool, 


The     fe  - 


the 


8i>a. 


P 


_  p   —       p-j  p.^- 

 # — — — (—  p-r- — — — 


— r~-j — *^ — i — 1»—  rt-gr^v  r^-wr~wr\ 

fe  tid       pool,    the     fe  -  -  -  -  tid     pool,  the 

  „  p   


pool,  the 


F-f-iziME— 

iB7- — r^i — s  


3" 


=it'lizr-r-r=p:: 


156 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


tid 


pool,  the  fe 


tid      pool,  shall 


T~ 


w_.  -r-  3  1  


'i  r 


pool,  the  fe 


tid 


pool,  shall 


^i^F*  £  :f:  £  f- 
=— r:r-c=r-r-6TTr-t=rr 


 •f-S— • 


0 


sup,  He  shall  eat 





the        re  -  fuse  of  gar  -  den  and 


sup,  He  shall  eat 
8va  


the 


re  -  fuse  of  gar  -  den  and 


Si 


T-n  i  4"H 


^    ife  ,    it  .    iL  , 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


157 


2 — & — i — 9_\  1 — i — i — t? — r  1 — s»-t 

 ?— pi — |  — I  P     V     I  if-? — 

field,  There  shall  be  no  re  -  pose  for  his      ach  iDg 

 ?— ^— I  ^—  p  t  6P— 

field,  There  shall  be  no  re  -  pose  for  his      ach  ing 

8va  

t  K  »T — 0T~9 — #"»  9T-0-  T 


  r— n     r«"»     i— n     *  r-^ 

— g  1 — — — i — — i — a — i — □ — _L  .1 — r  -or~ 


— 0Z0  m~0  f  -9 ~r-9-\-r-.-9    -*l *-*  f  -9 


 p  ?  p-r—V 


bones,  none  for  his  weary  head,  none  for  his  hones,  none  for  his  head,  no 


bones,  none  for  his  weary  head,  none  for  his  bones,  none  for  his  head,  no 

8vd  


— t>_: 


j__ — 


16 


158  THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


  U. 

r*rs-£=-e  

none,  1 
El      -      -  ' 

* 

here 

r — 

shall 

be   no  rest 

for  his 

none,  There 

8?;«  

shall     be   no  rest      for  his 

^  J'a_J^_tf  -2- 

m  .q: 

i — i — i — i — 

■ 

pp 

lifer  - 

L» 

filfelil 

ach  -  -  ing  bones,  None       for      his     wea  -  -  ry 


ach  -  -  ing  bones,  None      for      his     wea  -  -  ry 


8va 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 

/ 


159 


£.  crescendo  

m — i  1 —     n  ts — m — h — • — *  s  ^ 

V— i  i  :i  ^--jfc-^ 

head ;  His         bed    shall    be    as  the 

m—-^ — a  --i — \»^^-*-*:-z-r-i 

—  ^-^f==S^R^gR 


head 


His 


8va. 


bed    shall    be    as  the 


^T~d~|Tjv  -j  r 71     i        I:  -i — r-i — r-i — r-i — r 

#  —   #Tfe#—  JJ-J— —  —  —  —  ™  

f  staccato 

— tT-^— p-j-  t  J  Zj  i  EjE 


crescendo 

3: 


eel  octavi 


it  •— - — t — r"  —  r- r 


tor  -  rent  s  stones,  His 


pil  -  low  shall  be 


tor  -  rent's  stones,    His        pil  -  low  shall  be  as 

i — i — i — i — i — t~i — i — * •  i    i    r  r  r_r 


w 

8va. 


.  ,  m  -Mf-f-y 


160 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


161 


¥- 1  -- 

rest, 

-0- 

=F  F- 

_S  p_ 

rest, 

a  d 

/TV 

i 

17 


162 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


SONG  OF  ANGELS. 


ACT  II. — SCENE  V. 

WILHELM  SCHULTHES. 


Molto  Andante  c  molto  expressivo. 

Iiiiiii^ili^i 

An  -  gels  watch  a  -  -  loft    to  bear, 

l^iiii^iiiii^&j 


An  -  gels  watch  a  -  -  loft     to  bear, 


_  pp   "  — 


An  -  gels  watch  a  -  -  loft    to  bear, 


:-  1  It  r 


m 1  n  n  .  i 


The  accompaniment  of  the  piano  or  harmonium  is  only  to  be 
used,  in  case  the  voices  have  a  tendency  of  lowering,  it  ought  to 
be  played  pianissimo  throughout. 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


163 


2>oco  a  poco  ores. 

 p— ^— p— ?  ? — p  

Pilgrim  youth,  thy  part  -  ing  prayer.     In  -  to  night's  dark 


poco  a  poco  cres. 
Pilgrim  youth,  thy   part  -  ing   prayer.     In  -  to  night's  dark 


 PT-^-^ 


Tilgrim  youth,  thy  part 


164 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


 ?— ?— ? — — ?  p— i — 

veil  is   weaving     Golden  threads  the    coming  sun. 


veil  is   weaving     Golden  threads  the    coming  sun. 


veil  is   weaving     Golden  threads  the    coming  sun. 


crescendo  —  z=="l} 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


165 


z_  r~  rzr^i  & — 1~  nn  r— r — h — 1 :  r — 9— r~zr-± 


p — p — p — ? 

Earth's  cold  gloom 


hind  thee  leaving,  Haste  thy  course  of 


p  fz  cres. 


he  -  -  hind  thee  leaving, 


Haste  thy 
fz  cres. 


he  -  •  hind  thee  leavin; 


Haste  thy 


— T)  1 — i~in—  —  1 — 1 — 7 — 1 — i~n  1 

7  ~ — Si  ^  T — ^-y — t  -  r~~.~ —  ~  ~  r  ~  r 

p  cres. 


38 


166 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


light 


lit 

to  run,     Haste  thy  course  of     light  to  run, 


course  of  light  to  run,  Haste  thy  course  of  light  to  run, 
course  of  light  to  run,      Haste  thy  course  of     light  to  runr 


til  Ln' 

 #^  ?-g  9 — #— #~  it*  ^   


« — '  ill 


THE   HIDDEN  GEM. 


167 


Haste      thy  course   of     light     to     run,  Pilgrim 


Haste      thy  course   of     light     to  run 


Haste        thy  course   of       light  to  run, 


168 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


  rit.  molto.   pp   y  — .     ^      p  a  tempo 


youth, 


Pilgrim  youth, 


On  our  bosoms 


rit.  molto.   pp  ^     p  a  tempo 


Pilgrim  youth, 


On  our  bosoms 


 p  rit.  molto.  pp 


p  a  tempo 


 1 — i— n~ ~r~ i  1  1  -*  1— *  r — 


*    -0-      9  # 

I      I  l      I      I  ' — - 

Pilgrim  youth.  Pilgrim  youth, 


"ir- 
On  our  bosoms 


— i —  j — |~f — I — ~TS — T — re  J~l 

rit.  molto.   pp  p 


I--- 1 


a  tempo 


M 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


169 


—fczzq: 


sunk 


rest,  On  our  bosoms  8unk 


AzJ  3 — i 


^BSSEpEEps 

O  »   5  


sunk 


rest,  On  our  bosoms  sunk 


1  riEi±2~nv,v2I— LIT 


sunk 


n — i 


rest,  On  our  bosoms 


sunk 


Ezdcz=z : 


1 


E^|EPiEljE^i| 


19 


170 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


rest,  Wake,  wake,  a  -  -  -  mong  thy   kin  -  dred 


thy      kin  dred 


thy       kin  dred 


9  -g  -T=y5S?S 

lite 


THE   HIDDEN  GEM. 


171 


-  ~    3   9  -  P   


-  9-1-9— '<T9-\ — r~± 


Blest,  among  thy  kindred  Blest,  On  our  bosoms 


Blest. 


mong   thy   kindred  Blest,  On  our  bosoms 


172 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


sunk      to  rest,  On  our  bosoms     sunk  to 


sunk      to  rest.  On  our  bosoms     sunk  to 


 1 — i — i — r\-? — Sivd  1  1 — i~n~n~~n_r 


sunk 


rest,  On  our  bosoms 


sunk 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


173 


rest,  Wake,  wake,  a  -  -  -  ruong  thy   kin  -  dred 


rest,  among  thy       kin  dred 


rest,  among   thy       kin  dred 


20 


174 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


Blest,  among  thy  kindred     Blest,  Wake 


Blest,      a  -  -  mong   thy   kindred     Blest,  Wake 


THE   HIDDEN  GEM. 


175 


fz   <Z^Jf       ./V  p  _ 


-0 —  p — 0 — 


Wake      among  thy 


kin  -  -  dred 


Blest. 


— 1>—  n  ^  - 


dim. 


among  thy 


kin  -  -  dred      Blest,  a 


Wake 


among  thy 


kin 


dred 


Blest, 


176 


THE  HIDDEN  GEM. 


sempre  e  rail.  pp  ^ 

"Wake,         wake,  wake. 


sempre  e  rail.  pp  ^ 

mong  ihy   kin  -  dred  Blest. 


e  sempre  rail.          _  pp  ^ 

mong  thy   kin  •  dred  Blest. 


sempre  e  rail.  pp 

— b: 

J 


)— b  1"  i  — i  r  ^  


